From my very early jewellery steps in India, Ethiopia and Tanzania, I have always been deeply moved to see the raw talent and craftsmanship that the hands and heart of humanity pours into its adornment. I love creativity, design and natural beauty and nothing blends the best of the earths treasures with human creativity, than the art and craft of jewellery. Valerio Jewellery is my latest attempt to continue the adventure in discovering the simple beauty of jewellery.

I have been so fortunate over the years to work with some of the most inspirational people in the business. From the jungles of Colombia, where I was introduced to the art of ecological chemical free alluvial gold mining, the ruby mountains of Greenland's arctic wilderness, to the high deserts of southern Peru and my beloved Africa where men and women have sweated hope in the desire to become Africa's first certified Fairtrade Gold miners. These wonderful people are my inspiration and the inspiration behind Valerio Jewellery.

My desire is to use my new jewellery brand to celebrate the diversity of life, the grandeur of creation's natural minerals and to work towards a jewellery profession that is pure in heart. I cannot ignore that my trade is far from clean, honest or integrous. Our supply chain is rife with human rights abuses, environmental devastation, racism, political corruption and conflict. Change cannot happen if we sanitise truth with clever marketing, I must be honest and strive with willing and good hearted people to be the change. This is not easy, but if my original work in catalyzing and calling for Fairtrade Gold has taught me anything, it has taught me that everything is possible if you can dream of a better way.

Valerio Jewellery is about hope and relational integrity. Hope for those who anoint our materials with the sweat of their muscles and integrity for my customers and supporters who buy a piece of Valerio Jewellery. The jewel they are buying has come from the hands of communities who have not been exploited and have received a decent and fair price for their work.

This is the essence of my story as a jeweller and I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting the transformation of the jewellery profession. We need compassionate customers to support us in our vision for a clean, beautiful and ethical jewel.

Greg Valerio
Jeweller and Campaigner