Journal

Choosing Ethical Gold: Fairmined Gold vs. Recycled Gold

When selecting a source of ethical gold, various options are available that cater to different values and priorities. Recently, several alternatives have emerged as best practices for developing a responsible and sustainable gold sourcing strategy. By understanding the different attributes of Fairmined gold- certified traceable gold and recycled gold, you can create a sourcing policy that aligns with your ethical vision. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Recycled Gold

Pros:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint:
  Opting for recycled gold can significantly lower your carbon emissions. Research from the World Gold Council indicates that over 99% of gold's carbon footprint arises from mining activities. By choosing recycled gold, you can effectively minimize your upstream emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Simple and Marketable:
  The concept of recycling resonates well with consumers, making recycled gold an appealing option. Its straightforward nature is easy for customers to understand, tapping into the strong consumer trend towards sustainability.
• Widespread Availability:
  According to the World Gold Council, recycled gold accounts for about 33% of the annual gold supply. While it may not completely fulfill global jewelry demand, recycled gold is accessible through many suppliers around the world.
• Cost-Effective:
  Recycled gold is often competitively priced, with little to no significant difference compared to standard gold, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Cons:

• Misconceptions About Origin:
  Recycled gold is often thought to be old gold, but this is not always the case. In many instances, recycled gold can include materials that have recently been refined and transformed. As a result, "recycled" gold may not always mean it has a long history of responsible sourcing.
• Limited Impact on Mining Practices:
  Choosing recycled gold does not necessarily reduce the demand for newly mined gold. Mining operations continue to increase despite the rise in recycled gold usage. This is because gold mining is primarily driven by market demand and economic factors rather than sector-specific needs.
• Uncertain Sourcing:
  The origin of recycled gold can be difficult to verify. While some providers claim to have rigorous verification processes, there are concerns that gold linked to human rights abuses or environmental damage may enter the recycled gold supply chain. As highlighted by the NGO Global Witness, the recycling loophole could inadvertently allow "dirty" gold to be cleaned and marketed as recycled.

Fairmined Gold

Pros:

• Support for Responsible Mining:
  Purchasing Fairmined gold directly contributes to the transformation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) practices. By paying a fair price and additional premium, you help certified organizations invest in improving productivity, working conditions, and community development.
• Guaranteed Standards:
  Fairmined certified organizations adhere to stringent legal, social, and environmental requirements. This ensures that they treat their workers well, implement necessary safety protocols, and follow better environmental practices, free from child labor and promoting gender equality.
• Certified Traceability:
  Fairmined gold can be traced back to its source, giving you clarity about its origin and the conditions under which it was mined. This traceability enhances transparency and trust in your sourcing practices.
• Independent Certification:
  An independent third-party certification system backs Fairmined gold. Regular audits ensure compliance with the Fairmined Standard, promoting continuous improvement in mining practices.
• Emotional Connection:
  Knowing the origin of your gold fosters a direct emotional connection to the miners and their communities. This awareness allows you to educate your customers about the significance of their choices and the positive impact they can have.

Cons:

• Higher Cost:
  The ethical practices associated with Fairmined gold come at a premium. On average, Fairmined gold is priced 10-20% higher than conventional and recycled gold due to the costs associated with responsible mining and community support.
• Limited Availability:
  Fairmined gold constitutes less than 1% of global gold production. The number of certified mines is small, and sourcing from Fairmined gold suppliers is restricted compared to the options available for conventional and recycled gold.

Conclusion

Both recycled gold and Fairmined gold offer distinct advantages and challenges in the realm of ethical sourcing. Your choice will ultimately depend on your commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and personal values.If you wish to support the transformation of mining communities while also minimizing environmental impact, consider adopting a balanced approach. Prioritize sourcing Fairmined gold whenever possible.

At the core of ANTONIA DIAMONDS ethos is our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards. Our purpose is driven by a deep desire to redefine the world of fine jewellery, promoting sustainability and responsible practices.

By using ethically sourced environmentally conscious materials; Fairmined Gold, and ethically sourced diamonds, in line with the Kimberly Process, we aim to contribute to a more conscious and compassionate industry. Fairmined is an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin, guaranteed that it is a traceable gold. Fairmined gold comes from artisanal and small-scale mining organizations with safety guidelines certified to the Fairmined standard- the highest standard in responsible gold mining in the world.  This certification guarantees that the gold has been extracted in harmony with nature, human dignity, and sustainable development, limiting damage caused by mining processes.

We understand the importance of trust in every customer relationship. That’s why we strive to be as honest and transparent as possible, from the sourcing of our materials to the craftsmanship of our jewellery. We want our customer to feel confident in their decision to choose ANTONIA DIAMONDS, knowing that each piece they wear is not only stunning but also created with integrity. With ANTONIA DIAMONDS, you can unlock the beauty of ethical luxury without compromising on style or quality.

Fairmined

The Fairmined standard and seal were created by the ALLIANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE MINING, an international non-profit organization that has been working since 2004 for the development of artisanal and small-scale mining communities worldwide.

Fairmined, created in 2007 is part of the Sustainable Mines Program, which seeks to accompany and lead small scale miners to carry out mining that promotes their economic growth without harming the environment, that catalyses their social development in line with the sustainable development objectives of the 2030 agenda.

Fairmined is the highest level of responsible mining, and obtaining its certification is a process that can take years to achieve.