Quin Opal Pendant

We have attempted to work for years with Fairtrade International as a commercial liaison to create a viable commercial program that would build the movement. Because of major interests that oppose such a move (while claiming to support it), we are still the only certified Fairtrade Gold jeweler in the USA.

We have been active in these issues for over 15 years; from founding Fair Jewelry Action, the first ethical jewelry blog that evolved into a human rights and environmental justice network, to running numerous campaigns to the public and jewelry trade promoting environmental justice and human rights. Most recently we published the Ethical Jewelry Exposé and published several feature articles in Jewellery Business Magazine.

In our own bio-region, we initiated and co-led a campaign to successfully block a gold mine south of our Santa Fe home and remain active on local boards to preserve Santa Fe and surrounding regions from drilling and mining.

Our two-tone, gold-over-silver pieces are made entirely with gold from a Fairtrade certified mine.

With solid gold pieces, we offer recycled gold and Fairtrade Gold. Here’s a comparison of the two. But here’s the bottom line: recycled gold has no ecological or social value. It is dirty gold rebranded as eco-friendly.

Please note: we started 2021 by trading 12 ounces of gold purchased from customers for 10 ounces of Fairtrade Gold, and we are transitioning to using Fairtrade Gold throughout our in-house manufacturing, whether customers choose the extra expense or not. Sometimes our mounts and bezels are still made with recycled gold, because they are not yet available in Fairtrade Gold.

Fairtrade offers the millions of people working in artisanal mining in developing countries the best chance to work their way out of poverty and exploitation. Fairtrade Gold is mined by small-scale miners in a safe, fair, and ecologically-responsible manner.

If you would like specific information, contact us.