Zales Jewelry’s hallmarks are its variety, quality, and affordability, which have remained unchanged since the company’s first store opened in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1924. Over the years, the jewelry store has evolved from a single store to a franchise with more than 1,700 locations. The question of where this company gets its jewelry from is important to many consumers, even though Zales jewelry is easily accessible, widely available and popular. One of the reasons why sourcing has become so important to consumers is that supply chains in the jewelry industry have lacked transparency through the years and have hidden a very dark side. The majority of minerals, metals, and gems are mined in some of the world’s poorest areas and only reach the market after passing through many hands and harming people and the environment. The issue of responsible sourcing is a delicate yet crucial one for jewelers large and small – so where does Zales stand on the issue, and where does its jewelry originate?
Diamonds at Zales: Sourcing and Supply:
Zales Jewelry sells natural diamonds sourced primarily from Canada and conflict-free areas. Diamonds from Canada, sold as Arctic Brilliance, are located in the northwest of the country, in a region known as the Canadian Arctic. These diamonds are prized diamonds of this quality and high-grade color and clarity are prized. the mines are located in very remote locations, deliveries can only be made via an “ice road” for 10 weeks using methods that are environmentally friendly. Diamonds from Canada are conflict-free, which means the supply chain of the gems, from mining to delivery, does not have ties to rebel or terror groups. In addition, conflict-free diamonds can also be obtained in areas that comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which defines requirements that countries must meet to meet the scheme’s sustainability standard and ensure that the diamonds are both mined and delivered using ethical, legal methods. Diamonds should be accompanied by a certificate that acknowledges that they meet these regulations. Diamonds may also come from Australia, Russia, and some countries in Africa, in addition to Canada.
Zales jewelry diamonds:
Zales jewelry tree has different branches (for example, Piercing Pagoda is a low-market jewelry kiosk) but the focus of Zales is diamonds and diamond engagement rings. Zales does not offer loose diamonds despite this apparent emphasis on diamonds. The site lets you shop by shape, setting type, and metal type, but you cannot filter by diamond quality – a major red flag for any brand that claims a commitment to diamonds. Many online vendors only offer pre-set options, but this is not my preferred method of shopping nor do I recommend it.
Beyond the Mine: Lab-Grown Alternatives:
Despite Zales jewelry companies’ efforts to improve transparency in their supply chains, it’s natural for consumers to feel wary when dealing with an industry that relied on controversial practices for so long. The process of growing diamonds in a lab eliminates these concerns because it also eliminates the traditional supply chain and mining activities. Diamonds grown in laboratories have the same chemical composition as mined diamonds, but they are created in conditions that mimic the natural conditions in which mined diamonds grow. Their physical and optical properties are identical to those of diamonds, which form below the surface of the earth and are indistinguishable from gems. Lab-grown diamonds are still real diamonds but without the ecological and sociopolitical risks. Lab-created diamonds by Zales look and feel just like natural diamonds, but they don’t require billions of years to form. In addition to being independently certified, these diamonds are conflict-free, and they’re covered by Zales Lifetime Diamond Commitment, which replaces damaged diamonds, provides lifetime cleanings, and allows trade-ins for upgraded jewelry. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive, but the long-term value of lab-created diamonds is unknown because the technology is relatively new.
