At Dakota Stones, ethical sourcing means doing business responsibly, transparently, and with long-term partners we know and trust.
We are a small, family-run company based in Minnesota, and for over 25 years we have focused exclusively on gemstone beads. Natural stone supply chains are complex. Gemstones are mined in many parts of the world, each with different regulations, labor practices, and environmental realities. There is no single, universal certification system for ethically sourced gemstone rough used in beads, and we believe honesty about that reality matters.
Most of our gemstone beads are manufactured through long-standing partners in China and India. Our primary manufacturing relationship in China dates back to 2003 and spans multiple generations. We work closely with our partners on production standards, labor expectations, and quality control, and we choose to work with suppliers who prioritize safe working conditions and fair compensation.
Where possible, we source rough material directly through trusted channels. In other cases, we rely on established suppliers who have proven track records within the industry. Some materials—particularly lower-value stones—are increasingly difficult to source directly due to rising labor, cutting, and compliance costs. As a result, production has naturally shifted toward higher-value materials that can support responsible manufacturing practices.
We also carry select products produced in the United States, including certain turquoise items, and we work with small-scale, family-based operations in India for limited product lines.
Rather than making broad claims or relying on vague certifications, our approach to ethical sourcing is grounded in:
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Long-term relationships, not transactional buying
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Clear expectations around labor and production standards
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Continuous evaluation of partners and materials
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Respect for the people, the processes and the art behind natural stone
Gemstones are natural materials, and no supply chain is perfect. Our responsibility is to make thoughtful sourcing decisions, work with partners who share our values, and remain transparent about what we know—and what the industry still lacks.
If you have questions about a specific stone, origin, or process, we’re always happy to share what we can.