The gold industry may be big business, but it’s also synonymously dangerous and cruel. As an independent, ethical jewellery brand, we – like a few others on the jewellery scene – want to change what is historically a ruthless, money-making machine with very little regard for the people at its centre. That’s why we work hard to source all the materials used to craft our pieces responsibly.

Alongside our ethically sourced gemstones and recycled sterling silver, our use of Fairtrade gold is something applauded by our conscious customers. But what makes gold Fairtrade and how much of a difference is it really making?

The problem with the gold mining industry

…or should we say problems! The gold mining industry has long been plagued by ethical challenges, with labour rights, fair pay and transparency all coming under the spotlight.

Across many regions, miners work in unsafe conditions for low wages and without contracts, healthcare or even any proper safety equipment. Human rights abuses, including child and forced labour, continue, with an estimate 1 to 2 million children – many of which are as young as 3 years old - working in artisanal gold mines according to research from the United Nations.

The truth is the communities doing the mining see little lasting benefit, with profits siphoned off by big corporations and middlemen.

The issues continue with environmental damage directly impacting people’s health and livelihoods. Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide contaminate water sources, deforestation destroys local ecosystems, and degradation leaves land suitable for nothing else, including the growth of crops. The industry’s complex supply chains also make it difficult to trace gold back to its source, meaning unethical practices can persist unchecked.

The difference going Fairtrade can make

By shopping Fairtrade, you can make life better for the people facing industry-wide injustices. But, what does it mean for these individuals when you buy Fairtrade gold? We’ll let the Fairtrade Foundation answer that very question:

“Fairtrade Gold is sourced exclusively from mines which meet the Fairtrade Gold Standard; an internationally recognised marker of best-practice. The Fairtrade Gold Standard includes strict requirements on working conditions, health and safety, handling chemicals, women’s rights, child labour and protection of the environment including water sources and forests. Workers in Fairtrade certified gold mines receive a guaranteed Fairtrade Minimum Price for their product.”

As the Fairtrade Foundation go on to say “Fairtrade Gold is more than just gold, it’s gold with heart” – and it really can make a difference and over time, spark change for everyone.

Isn’t Fairtrade gold the same as recycled gold?

No, Fairtrade gold and recycled gold are very different. Fairtrade gold is freshly mined gold, and sourced from the certified small-scale mines we mentioned earlier. It offers full and frank traceability from mine to market as well as supports strict ethical and environmental standards, fair pay, safe working conditions and community growth.

Recycled gold is gold that has been repurposed from other materials, with everything from old jewellery to industrial scrap suitable sources. It removes the need for the new mining of gold altogether to reduce environmental impact, but unfortunately cannot be traced back to its original source.

We also work with gold vermeil at Dainty London, which is essentially gold-plated sterling silver, and offers a number of advantages stylistically, physically and ethically. Find out more about the differences between gold vermeil and solid gold for further details.

Shop recycled gold, Fairtrade gold and gold vermeil jewellery for inspiration for every day and that special occasion.