Responsibly Sourced Gemstones
Beauty and integrity are inseparable at SandGems. As ICA Accredited Ethical Members, we operate under the industry's most rigorous standards for transparency and responsible trade.
ICA Accredited Ethical Member
In 2023, SandGems earned accreditation as an Ethical Member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) — the only world body dedicated exclusively to the coloured gemstone industry. This is not a simple membership. Accreditation requires a full review of our sourcing practices and a formal commitment to the ICA's Code of Ethics.
Accredited Ethical Member · Since 2023
Our accreditation is publicly verifiable through the ICA member directory. We are listed under Dave Sand — Managing Director of SandGems bv, Antwerp.
Verify our ICA membership →The Principles We Stand By
ICA Accredited Ethical Members commit to upholding a defined set of principles covering disclosure, fair dealing, and responsible conduct throughout the gemstone supply chain. These are the pillars we apply to every stone that passes through our office.
Full Treatment Disclosure
Every stone is offered with its true identity and complete treatment history — heat, oil, diffusion, filling, irradiation. We disclose everything, in writing, every time.
Transparent Representation
Stones are described accurately. Country of origin, weight, colour grade and laboratory certificates are never embellished or omitted to improve a sale.
Responsible Supply Chain
We maintain direct, long-standing relationships with cutters and suppliers we know and trust. We do not trade stones of unverifiable origin or from jurisdictions under international sanction.
Fair Dealing
We honour our commitments to clients, suppliers and fellow members of the trade. Fair pricing, honest appraisal, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable.
Independent Certification
Every significant stone we sell carries certification from an independent world-class laboratory — GRS, GIA, Gübelin, SSEF, ALGT or equivalent. The lab, not the dealer, attests to what you are buying.
Vetted Integrity
Accreditation is granted only after ICA review. Ongoing membership requires continued adherence to the Code — our business has been examined, not self-declared.
What This Means for You
When you acquire a gemstone from SandGems, the ICA accreditation behind it is not a marketing claim. It is a verifiable assurance that what you are buying has been sourced, described and documented to the highest standards the coloured gemstone industry has defined for itself.
For collectors and trade partners alike, this matters. A ruby, sapphire or emerald is a long-term asset — and long-term trust depends on the clarity of what was disclosed at the moment of purchase.
Peace of mind is part of the stone. You aren't just buying a rare sapphire or an exceptional ruby — you're buying with confidence.
Verify our ICA membership →Explore Our Collection
Every stone in our showroom is independently certified and fully disclosed. Browse with confidence.