At Beyond Bohemian, transparency isn’t optional, it’s foundational. Below you’ll find clear, honest answers to the questions that matter most. If something isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out anytime at info@beyondbohemian.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What We Can (and Can't) Promise
How do you source your crystals?
Most of the crystal trade treats "ethical sourcing" as a marketing phrase. We treat it as the actual work.
We source directly through long-term relationships with artisanal miners, family-run operations, worker-owned cooperatives, and our own lapidary partners. We verify licenses where applicable, prioritize environmental stewardship, and hold our partners to fair labor practices. When we can't verify a source or it no longer aligns with our standards, we simply don't buy from it.
How do I know I can trust your sourcing claims?
We don't ask for blind trust. We openly share our sourcing philosophy, vetting standards, and the real challenges of doing things the right way in a complex global industry.
We publish sourcing guides, tell honest origin stories, and hold ourselves to internal standards that go far beyond industry norms. We also walk away from popular products if they stop meeting our values, even when it costs us revenue.
What is Beyond Ethical™ sourcing?
Beyond Ethical™ is our internal standard and non-negotiable baseline.
It means every product must meet mandatory criteria across environmental responsibility, fair wages, safe working conditions, and community reinvestment. Over half of our inventory comes from cooperatives that actively reinvest profits locally and participate in land restoration efforts. When you see Beyond Ethical™, it means every part of the supply chain was considered, not just the final product.
Why don't you list specific mine names or exact supplier locations?
To protect the safety and privacy of our partners.
Many of the miners and artisans we work with live in vulnerable regions where disclosing exact locations could expose them to exploitation, theft, or coercion. Choosing discretion over disclosure is a decision rooted in protection, not secrecy.
Can you trace every crystal to the exact mine?
Not always, and no one in this industry can reliably do that for every product, despite what some marketing claims suggest.
You may see brands say they "travel the world and hand-select every stone." In reality, most selection happens through wholesalers or trade shows, not active mines. That model also creates environmental issues by discarding lower-grade material and rewarding waste.
Our approach focuses on long-term partnerships, transparency, and getting as close to the source as responsibly and logistically possible. We work with producers we know by name and have collaborated with for years. It's not perfect, but it's honest, and it's always evolving toward better.
Do you offer third-party certifications?
Most certification programs aren't designed for small-scale mines or the crystal trade. While we don't carry formal labels like Fairtrade, we follow equivalent or higher standards and publish them transparently.
Rather than paying into systems that often exclude small producers doing the right work, we invest directly into better sourcing relationships. Ironically, many large corporate mines that could afford audits choose not to pursue them, likely because they wouldn't pass.
Why do some products sell out and never return?
If a mine closes, changes ownership, cuts corners, or no longer meets our standards, we end the relationship. No exceptions.
We've walked away from some of our best-selling items to protect our values. Integrity always comes before popularity or profit.
Cleaning, Processing & Materials
How are your crystals cleaned and processed?
This is one of the most overlooked and misleading parts of the crystal industry.
Most crystals are cleaned using harsh acids, bleaches, petroleum-based oils, or synthetic coatings. Some are heat-treated or irradiated to enhance color, often without disclosure.
We've chosen a different path. Most of our cleaning and polishing is done in-house using non-toxic, eco-conscious methods. No acids. No petroleum products. No synthetic coatings. We use biodegradable, skin-safe solutions and careful hand-cleaning to preserve each stone's natural integrity.
Are your crystals 100% natural?
Yes. All of our crystals are 100% natural and free from heat treatment, irradiation, lab creation, or artificial enhancement.
What if there's a light oily residue on my crystal?
Occasionally, a small amount of harmless residue from our plant-based polishing process may remain. This can be easily wiped away with a soft cloth and does not affect the stone.
Returns, Guarantees & Order Issues
What is your return policy?
We offer a 90-day return window on eligible items. If something doesn't meet your expectations or resonate with you, we're happy to help. Full details are available on our Returns & Guarantee page.
What happens if my order is damaged or lost?
Every package is insured. If something arrives damaged or doesn't arrive at all, we'll work quickly to resolve the issue with a replacement or refund at no cost to you.
Shipping & International Orders
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes. We ship internationally to many countries using discounted carrier rates. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination and weight.
For select destinations, duties and taxes are included in the shipping cost. For others, import fees are the responsibility of the recipient and are typically around 20% of the order value.
For large international orders, many customers choose freight forwarding services such as MyUS or ForwardMe to reduce costs and simplify customs clearance.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, we have a $20 minimum order. It keeps shipping costs reasonable, cuts down on packaging waste, and avoids half-empty packages that increase carbon footprint.
Pricing, Discounts & Availability
Do you offer discounts or run sales?
We generally do not run store-wide sales. Discounting often leads to unequal pricing and pressure on the very producers we aim to support.
Instead, we price fairly every day, offer free shipping on qualifying orders, provide bulk price breaks on select items, and maintain a clearance section for overstocked material when available.
Bulk Orders & Special Requests
Why don't you carry certain stones or crystals?
We prioritize worker-owned cooperatives and small producers, which often means limited availability and region-specific material. If a product conflicts with our sourcing or environmental standards, we simply won't carry it, even if demand is high.
Can I reserve an item and pay later?
We don't offer holds or reservations. It keeps things fair for every customer who's shopping at the same time you are.
Can I request specific sizes, shapes, or colors for bulk orders?
Bulk items are sold as representative assortments and cannot be individually selected. If you have a specific need, contact us before purchasing and we'll let you know if we can help.
Do you accept custom orders?
Custom orders are sometimes possible through our lapidary partners, including our team in Peru. There are no minimums, but we strongly recommend sufficient volume to justify international shipping. Reach out if you'd like to explore a request.
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Beyond Bohemian • Rockville, Maryland
Ethically sourced crystals and mineral specimens. Wholesale stones, jewelry-grade gems, and artisan partnerships. Geology-first crystal education.
Beyond Ethically Sourced. Lovingly Shared.