Fairtrade Gold

What is Fairtrade Gold? Fairtrade certified gold comes from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Organisations (ASMOs) that meet the Fairtrade Standard for Gold and Precious Metals.

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Gold is mined from a number of countries, but it is predominantly mined in South Africa.
As well as large scale Mining companies, there are individual miners and mining organisations (called Artisanal or small scale miners) who often work for themselves and mine Gold for a living. The conditions in which they work in can often be difficult, and hazardous to their health.  

The Fairtrade Gold standard stepped in to ensure that the workers were being treated fairly, with regards to their health and their livelihood.
Therefore, Fairtrade Gold means that the gold has been responsibly mined, and that the miners have received a Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium, which assists social, environmental and economic development in the communities.

 

Fairtrade Gold - The Background*

90% of the labour force involved in gold mining is made up of artisanal and small-scale miners who produce between 200-300 tonnes of gold each year. Around 79% of this is used to make jewellery, with consumers across the globe spending a whopping $135 billion a year on gold jewellery!

An estimated 100 million people worldwide rely on small-scale mining for their livelihoods and to support their families and communities. Small-scale miners often work long days and in dangerous conditions. There are serious health risks associated with the improper handling of toxic mercury and cyanide, which can be used in the extraction process. Miners struggle to attract the finance or generate sufficient profits needed to invest in their operations or safer, more efficient technology.

Small-scale miners are at the end of long and complex supply chains and for those working in remote locations, it can be difficult to sell their gold at a fair price. For Fairtrade Gold, miners receive a guaranteed Fair Minimum Price and premium to spend on improving their businesses or on community projects such as education, clean water and healthcare. Fairtrade certification means that these small scale-miners meet Fairtrade Standards.

This can help them to improve their mining and business practices as well as open the market to generate more sales on better terms. The Standards include strict requirements on working conditions, health and safety, handling chemicals, women’s rights, child labour and protection of the environment.

*source:fairtrade.org.uk

 

Quality Diamonds and Fairtrade Gold

During 2016 we joined the Goldsmiths Registration Scheme to make many of our cast jewellery designs available in Fairtrade Gold.

Fairtrade Gold provides us with the ability to allow our customers the choice when it comes to buying their jewellery. Our Designs can either be produced in Fairtrade Gold, or Bespoke made with Fairtrade Gold. The only difference is a £30.00 (including V.A.T) increase in the price of the setting, regardless of the product.

For any product you are interested in, including Fairtrade Gold wedding rings, Fairtrade Gold engagement rings and Fairtrade Gold diamond set jewellery, please contact us to discuss your preferences.