What is Fairtrade gold, and why is it important?

Why we use Fairtrade gold.

I wanted to start this journal by outline some of the decision making processes that go into creating our bespoke Fairtrade gold pieces. As artisan jewellers, we want to encourage fair pricing and ensure where we buy our materials is sustainable so Fairtrade gold was a simple choice for us. But we are here to explain the importance of Fairtrade gold to you.

An estimated 16 million small scale miners work in dangerous conditions around the world to provide gold that may end up on our high streets. Exploited, and forced to handle hazardous chemicals, small-scale mining is a harsh and precarious way to earn a livelihood that often leaves its miners living in poverty.

This stark reality is one that needs addressing, a gold ring is a symbol of love after all. We can only stop this by promoting other options. For us its simple, people shouldn’t have to live on the bread line for others to have amazing jewellery. Fairtrade’s mission is to make a difference to the lives of the people who farm and mine the things we buy by merely making trade fair.  

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. These rules should be the starting block for any business.

When it comes to your jewellery, the symbol of Fairtrade gold is a special one. It is your assurance that the gold has come from a sustainable source. The miners also receive an extra amount of money for investment, to build the future of their families and their communities, through education, medical care or environmental projects. All of these things are imperative to ensure that these communities can thrive.

With every purchase we make we continually face decisions and these surround the ethical nature of the products we choose, the useability and the environmental impact that they have. We want to ensure that every piece we make has left a trail of happiness in its wake. Our artisan goldsmiths create quality handcrafted jewellery that has been made for you to love for your lifetime and beyond.

The importance of Fairtrade gold is invaluable to us, empowering miners, empowering us and eventually creating pieces that enable you to wear your Fairtrade gold with pride.  Alison x