People often think of gold mining as dirty, polluting, and abusive. And while it often is, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many new initiatives in the jewelry industry that are supporting equity, helping communities, and creating new and better environmental paths.
So let’s talk about Fairmined gold! What it is, how it helps make the world better, and which designers are enthusiastic about making jewelry with it.
What is Fairmined Gold?
The Fairmined Gold standard was developed by The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM). Since 2012, ARM has been working to create more gender equity, less danger, more resources, and better land stewardship in gold mining. Since it started, they have certified eight mines in South America and Africa.
Fairmined principles center on both people and the planet to help communities earn a dignified living and to encourage and support better ecological practices. There are approximately 20 million artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold miners in the world. Some are operating as part of illegal activity; others are mining to escape poverty. Eight mines worldwide are part of the Farimined network of gold mines.
This is no small undertaking. The Alliance for Responsible Mining seeks out ASM miners to work with to help communities lift themselves out of poverty while also focusing on better and healthier methods of gold mining.
Fairmined operations choose to stay small. Keeping their operations small not only contains and minimizes environmental damage but also allows for more personal connections between the miners and the organizations who are there to support them.
And recycled gold isn’t going anywhere—people have recycled gold ever since they discovered it thousands of years ago. But now that we have better options, we can choose to support those instead. Fairmined gold adds to the choices we have when buying jewelry.
Fairmined Gold Supports an End to Mercury in Gold Mining
The Alliance for Responsible Mining and the Fairmined process also helps miners curtail and eventually end their use of mercury in the mining process. It takes time, effort, new equipment, and resources for miners to make the switch.
And after all of the mining, certification, refining, and processing, the now-certified gold ends up in the hands of a small but mighty group of jewelry designers, all committed to sourcing and offering their gorgeous work with “gold you can be proud of”.
Jewelry Designers Who Are Proud to Make Fairmined Gold Jewelry
The six designers listed have all made a commitment to making all or part of their jewelry in Farimined gold.
These jewelry designers all work with Fairmined Gold as a part of their dedication to a more equitable and fair future in the jewelry industry.
1. Bliss Lau Jewelry
Bliss Lau has always offered highly creative and expressive fine jewelry. Her thoughtfulness and intention are evident in each of her designs. For her, offering Farimined gold was core to her belief that all business decisions have an impact.
Bliss Lau even works with one of the few manufacturers in Asia to be licensed to use Farimined gold.
Bliss Lau Jewelry values transparency in her jewelry
“Our Fairmined Gold collection represents the future = Transparently made jewelry. I created a capsule collection of my signature designs,” says Bliss Lau.
“These pieces represent choice, identity, empathy, and kindness, all connecting from the earth to your body, supporting mining communities, families, and the environment.”
“This is a call to action. We must change how gold travels out of the earth and through the world. Knowing where our gold comes from and that it is not contributing to damaging the environment and hurting our bodies, especially as women, is so important. The process of how our jewelry is made is equally as important as the finished piece of beautiful fine jewelry.”
2. Mercurius Jewelry
Mercurius Jewelry is the dynamic duo of Alisa and David Thorp who produce their thoughtful collection and even cut some of their own rare gems and minerals. With a commitment to discovering the most delightful stones possible, it was a natural step to source Fairmined gold too.
Alisa, one half of the powerhouse couple making up Mercurius jewelry says, “Do you follow the philosophy of “know better, do better”?
“We have been a certified California Green business since we opened, but in that time we focused mostly on the environment without enough focus on environmental justice.”
“But now we know better. We were choosing recycled gold as our main metal option without taking into account the nearly 100 million people worldwide who depend on Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) of gold to survive.”
So now we will do better – beginning in 2021 we transitioned from using recycled gold as our primary metal option to using Fairmined Certified gold as our go-to metal – both for custom pieces and in our own collection”
They cut many of their stones in-house and source them directly. They even offer a way to shop by stone and learn more about these rare minerals.”
3. Truss and Ore
Ana Brazaityte, designer and owner of this Bay Area-based jewelry brand crafts Bauhaus-inspired jewelry with an intense commitment to supply chain transparency.
“As a business, Truss and Ore is rooted in creating a positive impact. I am committed to working toward a jewelry industry that is beneficial to all people along the supply chain and prioritizes stewardship of the environment. This is reflected in my business and sourcing practices, as well as my volunteer work with educational initiatives and my philanthropic actions.”
Ana uses Fairmined gold in her Lietuva Ring and also for her bespoke and custom pieces. Her commitment to sourcing gemstones responsibly is no less impressive – she selects stones from traceable, mine-to-market sources.
4. Melissa Scoppa
Melissa Scoppa makes personal and meaningful jewelry in the Bay Area. Inspired by historic design elements, she crafts pieces that are made to last such as her signet Sundial Ring. Her commitment to using the most responsible material, like Fairmined gold is no less important.
“I got into jewelry because I wanted to make meaningful and beautiful heirloom quality pieces for people to treasure,” Melissa says.
“With more research, I realized that if you are not deliberately being careful about where your precious metals are coming from, you are actually part of a harmful supply chain with impacts being felt by the people and environment where these materials are being mined.”
“When I sought to work in jewelry, I never imagined that the things I was making – my art could be linked to environmental destruction and exploitation. The use of recycled gold is not enough and not meaningful in making an impact on this topic, but by using Fairmined gold, I know exactly where my gold is coming from. I have assurances in place that my gold purchases are actually improving the mining communities and that the beautiful things I am making are helping people not hurting people.”
5. Valley Rose
Valley Rose’s Fairmined Gold jewelry is all about timeless, thoughtful pieces you’ll want to keep for years. They craft each piece from certified Fairmined gold, sourced from small, responsible mining operations that treat people and the planet right. Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong designs and handcrafts all their stunning jewelry. She uses a technique called lost-wax casting for each design.
What makes this jewelry designer special is how it brings together sustainability, storytelling, and beautiful design. From starry necklaces to simple rings, every piece is made with care to look beautiful and stand for something good. Instead of chasing quick trends, Valley Rose takes its time, focusing on quality, craftsmanship, & caring for the planet.
A lot of fine jewelry comes with hidden costs, but this collection lets you upgrade your jewelry box while supporting fair mining practices. If you are looking for an otherworldly engagement or wedding ring, this is the one to check out!
Love this focus on Fairmined gold — it’s so important to celebrate jewellery that’s both beautiful and ethically made. These pieces prove you don’t have to compromise style for sustainability.
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