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The advent of new supplies of Fairtrade gold from Africa could herald a jewellery revolution with the UK leading the way.
That was the view expressed yesterday at the London launch of the first supplies of Fairtrade gold from East Africa (Fairtrade gold has previously only been sourced from South America).
"Up until now, consumer awareness of Fairtrade gold has been as limited as the supply of gold. But the progress made by Fairtrade International in bringing more mines up to the standards required for them to gain Fairtrade accreditation means that there is now the possibility that any customer can walk into their local jeweller and commission a piece of jewellery made with Fairtrade gold," explains Sarah Carpin, one of the launch event's organisers.
Michael Gidney, ceo of the UK's Fairtrade Foundation commented: "Gold production is a vital source of income for many people in rural economies. By making mining Fairtrade it gives miners greater financial and job security as well as improved working conditions, bringing benefits for them, their families and the environment. If trade certification can work for co-operatives like this, then it can work for groups across the African continent."
See the November issue of Ethical Performance for more.
Picture credit: Rose Necklace from wellbeing and beauty guru Liz Earle's first Fairtrade botanical jewellery collection.
