ETHICAL SOURCING POLICY
Our Commitment
Underwood’s is dedicated to sourcing every gemstone, diamond, and precious metal with integrity, transparency, and respect for people, communities, and the environment. Since 1928, we have believed that true quality is not just about cut, clarity, and carat, it is also about how something is sourced.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Responsible Diamonds
All our natural diamonds are fully compliant with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to ensure they are conflict-free. We also require our suppliers to provide warranties affirming that diamonds have not been used to finance violence, human rights abuses, or unlawful armed groups.
Suppliers must uphold fair wages, safe working conditions, no forced labor or child labor, and respect for all human rights. We insist on compliance with relevant international conventions and local labor laws.
Mining, cutting, polishing, refining, and transportation should minimize environmental harm. Our suppliers must use responsible mining practices, land rehabilitation, water management, minimizing waste, and ensuring chemical safety. Recycled metals and stones are used whenever they meet our high quality and ethical standards.
We maintain an unbroken chain of custody for all diamonds and gemstones from mine (or lab) through cutting, polishing, refining, and into the finished product. We keep documentation, certifications, and where possible origin data. We partner only with suppliers who are transparent about their operations, supply chain, and impacts.
Industry Standards
We only work with suppliers who comply with recognized ethical and sustainability standards. These include but are not limited to: Kimberley Process, World Diamond Council System of Warranties, relevant Responsible Jewellery Council or equivalent guidelines, and third party audits.
Ethical sourcing is not static. We aim to review and improve our sourcing practices, supplier relationships, and impact metrics regularly. We welcome audits, feedback, and innovation in materials, methods, and transparency.