Green gems for Generation Z, from engagement rings produced sustainably to lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold

Conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds are nothing new, but young jewellery brands are going further by using zero-carbon production methods and recycled gold

Three-quarters of millennials say they would change their buying habits out of environmental concerns, and pay a premium of up to 10 per cent to do so

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Published: 10:00pm, 15 Mar 2020Updated: 8:28pm, 16 Mar 2020

When Krish Himmatramka was working as an engineer in the oil industry, he would spend his spare time in his trailer in the US state of Louisiana scouring the internet for the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend. But he struggled to find one that was ethically and sustainably produced.

After researching the jewellery industry, he decided to quit his job and start the brand Do Amore, which means “I give with love” in Latin. His girlfriend’s ring – structured with recycled rose gold and an oval diamond from Botswana – was one of the first Do Amore created.

Himmatramka’s rings have an average price of about US$3,000 and can be made using natural diamonds or lab-grown ones such as moissanite, an alternative in the crystal family.

But what really sets the rings apart, he says, is that proceeds from the purchase of each one contribute to providing water to an under-served area.

The company has given almost 8,900 people access to clean water through 25 wells built in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, and Nepal.