Discover the World’s Most Responsibly Sourced Rubies
The discovery of gem-quality rubies and pink sapphires in a remote region of Greenland presented a truly unique opportunity to introduce a new source of gemstones into the market, with environmental, mining, human rights, labor, and product disclosure best practices taken into account every step of the way.
Globally, buyers of fine jewelry have a demonstrated interest in responsibly sourced gemstones.
Today’s customers care passionately about the planet and human rights. Greenland Ruby produces beautiful rubies and pink sapphires to meet and exceed socially conscious shoppers’ expectations.
Greenland Ruby:
Sustainable Mining and Social Responsibility
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is actually a part of the North American landmass but is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland was home to the first European colony, established by Viking explorer Erik the Red in 985. The earliest indigenous people to inhabit Greenland arrived there at least 4,500 years ago, while the Inuit people migrated to Greenland in the 1200s. Today the Inuit population represents the majority of Greenland’s 56,000 people.
The Greenland Ruby mine at Aappaluttoq [Ah-puh-lu-tok] is located in a drained waterway amidst an icy mountainous landscape surrounded by majestic fjords. We take seriously our commitment to preserving this pristine location. When we finish our work here, the waterway will be refilled, all equipment and buildings will be removed, and the site will be fully restored to its natural wilderness.
The majority of Greenland Ruby’s workforce is made up of Greenlandic people. More than a third of our employees are female. Mining is a newer industry in Greenland and represents viable alternative to fishing, which is the nation’s main export. Our local workforces enjoy all the protections and working conditions guaranteed by Greenlandic law, which is modeled on strict, northern European standards.
What Do Responsibly Sourced Rubies Look Like?
Greenland Ruby:
Mine-to-Market Traceability
Color, origin and provenance are the most important aspects to consider when buying colored gemstones. Besides their beauty, we want to know with a high degree of certainty where gems are mined. Greenland Ruby has introduced a formal mine-to-market track-and-trace program, which has been approved by the Greenlandic government.
The program is made possible by our customized inventory system. Every parcel of Greenland Ruby rough is given a number, and the gems produced subsequently from that parcel are given their own unique numbers that link back to the original – almost like a family-tree. The gem’s unique numbers remain with each ruby and pink sapphire throughout their journey including processing, cutting, sorting and jewelry manufacturing.
Because Greenland rubies are geologically unique, independent gem labs will be able to verify the authenticity and provenance of our rubies and pink sapphires, based on their trace element chemistry.
Each gem is tracked and traced from the mine and comes with a Certificate of Origin or a Card of Authenticity which is approved by the Government of Greenland.
See Greenland Ruby in Action:
A Proud Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council
We are proud to be the first colored gemstone mining operation to become a Certified Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. This achievement confirms our commitment to responsible practices within our business operations and core strategy through a continuous effort towards improvement.
Greenland Ruby is also a member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, and the American Gem Trade Society (AGTA).
The PinkPolarBear Foundation
The PinkPolarBear Foundation was initiated by Greenland Ruby and supports international polar research in all disciplines. The foundation is especially concerned with the effects of climate change on the environment; stimulating education, understanding the needs and supporting the inhabitants of Greenland, both animal and human, who are affected by accompanying cultural changes.
Through the PinkPolarBear Foundation, Greenland Ruby and our partners are making a difference in the lives of the people who live at the source of where these precious gems are mined.
As part of our commitment to the people of Greenland, a percentage of all sales from Greenland Ruby gems goes to the Foundation and we encourage our partners to do the same.
