Ethics Statement
The Ashalon Ethical Sourcing Statement
At The Ashalon, we believe gemstones, historical assets, and collectible materials should be sourced with integrity, transparency, and respect for the people and communities connected to them.
We recognise that the gemstone and heritage asset industries can present ethical, environmental, and labour challenges globally. As a company, we are committed to building long-term relationships with trusted partners who share our values of fairness, responsibility, and human dignity.
Our Approach to Gemstone Sourcing
Where possible, The Ashalon works directly with miners, cutters, traders, and local partners in the countries where gemstones are sourced.
We prioritise:
Long-term working relationships
Transparent communication
Fair treatment of workers
Responsible sourcing practices
Respect for local communities and cultures
We actively visit sourcing regions and maintain close relationships with our partners in order to better understand operational conditions and supply chains firsthand.
Fair Pay & Working Relationships
The Ashalon seeks to support ethical trade practices by ensuring workers connected to our direct sourcing relationships are compensated fairly for their labour.
In operations where we have direct involvement or oversight, our aim is to support compensation levels exceeding local minimum wage standards wherever commercially possible, including paying approximately twice local minimum wage rates for gemstone cutters and mining workers involved in our partnered operations.
We believe ethical sourcing should contribute positively to local livelihoods and economic stability rather than simply extracting value from producing regions.
Conflict & Responsible Trade
The Ashalon opposes the trade of knowingly conflict-linked materials, exploitative labour practices, forced labour, and child labour.
We aim to work with suppliers and partners who share these principles and who operate in accordance with applicable international trade and sourcing standards where available.
Due to the complexity of global gemstone supply chains, especially within artisanal and small-scale mining sectors, complete traceability cannot always be guaranteed. However, we continuously seek to improve transparency, oversight, and accountability within our sourcing network. (gia)
Natural & Historical Materials
Many products sold by The Ashalon are natural, historical, antique, or collectible in nature. Variations, inclusions, wear, and age characteristics are considered part of the authenticity and heritage of these items.
We aim to represent all products honestly and in good faith based on the information available to us at the time of sale.
Continuous Improvement
Ethical sourcing is an ongoing process rather than a fixed claim. The Ashalon remains committed to improving its sourcing standards, strengthening partner relationships, and learning from evolving industry best practices.
We believe responsible trade should preserve both human dignity and the historical and natural significance of the assets we handle.
As for organisations and standards you can realistically align with over time, these are the strongest options for The Ashalon:
Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
The biggest recognised ethics body in jewellery and gemstones.Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Strong credibility in the UK gemstone world.National Association of Jewellers (NAJ)
Good for legitimacy and networking in Britain.Fairtrade Foundation Gold Standards
More gold-focused, but ethically respected.Kimberley Process
Relevant if you later move into diamonds.Ethical Metalsmiths
Useful for learning sourcing frameworks and consumer-facing ethical standards.