Our Approach to Responsible Sourcing
Published date: 17 December 2019
Sourcing Ethics at Burhouse
At Burhouse, we’re often asked about the background of our products - where they come from, how they’re made, and whether they’ve been produced responsibly. These are entirely reasonable questions, and we want to answer them as transparently as we can.
The reality is that sourcing ethics in the semi-precious gemstone market are not straightforward. Gemstones typically pass through multiple hands, countries and processes before they reach us, and fully traceable “mine to market” supply chains are, at present, rare to non-existent in this sector. Because of that, we don’t make blanket claims about “ethically sourced” gemstones that can’t be verified.
What we can do - and do consistently - is work with long-established, reputable suppliers, assess the conditions we can see, and make sure the businesses we buy from are operating within their own national regulations and recognised industry standards. That’s the level at which responsible trading is currently possible, so that’s where we focus.
Why We Visit Our Suppliers
We have long-standing relationships with many of our suppliers, and where practical we visit them. These visits allow us to:
- see the facilities first-hand check that current labour, safety and environmental requirements are being followed
- understand what investment is being made in better, safer or cleaner production
- maintain a direct relationship, not just a transactional one
A good example of this is a recent visit to one of our manufacturing partners in China, where gemstones are processed into beads and cabochons.
Gemstone Processing in China
Lapidary - the cutting and processing of gemstones - has been an established, skilled industry in China for many years. In recent years, however, local regulations have tightened and factories are now required to meet clearer standards on:
- environmental controls
- employee safety
- working conditions
- and employment of adults only
Our supplier had clearly invested to meet those standards. On our visit we observed:
- On-site water filtration to clean and reuse water from gemstone processing
- Ventilation systems and water sprays in cutting areas to reduce dust
- Appropriate safety equipment (including shields) for staff working on machinery
- Structured working patterns - for roles requiring high concentration, staff worked in short shifts with regular breaks
- No minors employed and good general staff welfare
Chinese government requirements in these areas have already led to the closure of smaller facilities that were unable or unwilling to comply. That tightening of standards is a positive development, and we support it.
What This Means for Our Customers
We do not over-claim. The global gemstone trade is complex, and we can’t tell you that every stage is traceable to the mine — because in most cases, it isn’t.
We do insist on working with reputable, established partners who comply with their local laws and invest in safer, cleaner production.
We do carry out visits where we can, to see conditions for ourselves.
We do remain open about what we know and what the current limits of the market are.
Our commitment is therefore to ethical and responsible trading, not marketing slogans.
Continuing Improvements
We will keep reviewing our supply base and supporting materials and processes that move the industry in the right direction. You can also read about how we’ve introduced more responsible options in other product areas, such as Eco Silver.