Ethical Engagement Rings in Canada: What a Jeweller Can Prove

In this guide

    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026

    Short answer: Ask what a jeweller can prove, not what it promises. Most of our clients choose lab grown diamonds, and every one we sell at 1 carat and up comes with an IGI report stating it is lab grown and how it was grown. We don't make conflict-free, carbon or recycled-gold claims we can't document for your stone.

    Pair of 1.5ct rose octagonal lab diamonds resting on a hand

    Ethical is a word anyone can put on a page. This guide sticks to what you can check, and what to ask any jeweller, us included.

    What does ethical mean for an engagement ring?

    Usually three things: where the stone came from, how the people who mined, cut and made it were treated, and the environmental cost. Some of that can be documented on paper. Some of it, honestly, cannot be traced to a single ring.

    What can we actually show you?

    Claim What backs it
    The diamond is lab grown An IGI report that states lab grown and the growth method, number inscribed on the stone
    A coloured gemstone is what we say Our listing states heated or unheated, and origin where known
    You get the stone you chose Two stones on 360 video before you pick, and a close-up of the finished ring
    Nothing is made you don't approve Made to order once you approve the design, with no stockroom of unsold rings

    Are lab grown diamonds more ethical?

    For the stone itself, there is no mining. Lab grown diamonds are made above ground, and the report says so in plain words. We don't publish energy or carbon figures for them, because we can't verify them for each stone. More in are lab grown diamonds real.

    What should I ask any jeweller?

    • Can I see the report for my exact stone? It should name the origin and match the inscription.
    • What paperwork comes with a natural stone? Ask for it by name before you pay, for the exact stone.
    • Can I have your ethical claims in writing? A claim that won't go in writing is marketing.
    • Is any coloured gemstone treated? Our sapphire listings say heated or unheated, and where it was mined when we know.

    How the reports differ is in IGI vs GIA.

    Want the paperwork for a stone before you commit?

    A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.

    Book a free callGet a free estimate

    From our collection

    4.01ct Cushion Pink Lab Diamond, Fancy Intense Pink4.01ct Cushion Pink Lab Diamond4.25ct Cushion Pink Lab Diamond, Fancy Light Pink4.25ct Cushion Pink Lab DiamondNatural 2.08ct Oval Pink Sapphire2.08ct Oval Bubblegum Pink SapphireNatural 3.04ct Emerald Cut Peach Sapphire3.04ct Emerald Cut Peach Sapphire

    Questions we get about this

    Are lab grown diamonds ethical?

    They are made above ground, with no mining for the stone, and our IGI reports state that each one is lab grown and how it was grown.

    Can you document where my diamond came from?

    For a lab grown stone, yes: its IGI report states lab grown origin and the growth method, and the number is inscribed on the stone. For a natural stone, ask us what paperwork comes with that exact stone before you pay.

    How can I check where my diamond came from?

    Ask for the grading report for your exact stone and match its number to the inscription on the girdle.

    Is a lab grown diamond mined?

    No. It is grown above ground, and its IGI report says lab grown in plain words.

    Keep reading

    Written by Clint Casmiro, co-founder of Smiro Studio with Karina. We are second generation jewellers. Our dad Kenny has more than 40 years at the bench and oversees production, and we have built over a thousand tulip basket rings. Every ring is designed in CAD and you approve 3D renderings before production. We ship free and insured across Canada and the US.

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