Lately, more people are reflecting on the choices they make—how they shop, what they buy, and the environmental impact of their decisions. Gold jewellery has always marked life’s most meaningful moments, but the jewellery industry has long struggled with dirty gold, unsafe working conditions, and human rights abuses tied to traditional gold mining.
At Kernow Gold, we believe there’s a better way to celebrate these moments. By choosing ethical gold—like Fairtrade gold, Fairmined gold, and recycled gold—you’re not just buying precious materials; you’re supporting responsible mining practices, miners, and communities around the world.
What Is Ethical Gold and Why Does It Matter?
Ethical gold refers to gold that is sourced responsibly, with a focus on fair wages, safe working conditions, and minimizing harm to the environment. It comes from three key sources:
Fairmined Gold: Sourced through artisanal and small-scale mining operations that meet strict Fairmined standards. This system ensures miners receive a fair price and an additional premium to support community development.
Fairtrade Gold: Part of the Fairtrade certified system, this gold supports small-scale miners in the developing world, ensuring better working conditions, financial security, and reduced negative impacts.
Recycled Gold: Recycled metals, including gold, are extracted from existing materials like old jewellery or electronics. Choosing recycled gold helps reduce the need for newly mined gold, lowering the environmental impact.
The Environmental Impact of Gold Mining
The reality of mining gold often includes severe harm to the environment and local communities:
Gold mining generates large amounts of toxic waste, polluting clean water sources with mercury and cyanide.
New mining can destroy ecosystems, displacing wildlife and causing deforestation.
By choosing recycled gold and supporting responsible mining, you help reduce these negative impacts.
It’s not just about avoiding harm—it’s about supporting solutions. Fair mined and Fairtrade initiatives focus on reducing the environmental impact of artisanal miners, introducing safety measures and better working conditions.
The Role of the Responsible Jewellery Council
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is playing an important role in transforming the jewellery industry.
By setting standards for ethical sourcing, human rights, and chain of custody, the RJC ensures that companies across the supply chain are held accountable.
Look for independent ethical certification systems, like those recognized by the RJC, to ensure the gold you buy is ethically sourced.
Single Mine Origin Gold: A Transparent Choice
If you prefer newly mined gold, Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold is a responsible option. SMO gold can be traced to a single, transparent source with verified responsible mining practices that prioritize human rights, safety measures, and community development. This creates a clean supply chain while miners and their families benefit from fair wages and improving healthcare in their regions.
Why Recycled Gold Should Be Your First Choice
While new mining can be done responsibly, choosing recycled gold is one of the most sustainable options. Recycled gold eliminates the need to extract newly mined gold, significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Recycled materials retain the same quality as newly mined precious metals.
Some jewellers worldwide are now using only recycled gold to minimize their carbon footprint.
It’s a perfect choice for bespoke jewellery where you want to create something meaningful without contributing to further gold mining.
At Kernow Gold we can use recycled gold, or re-make your unwanted or broken gold jewellery into a new bespoke jewellery piece.
Supporting Mining Communities with Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold
Buying Fairmined gold or Fairtrade gold directly supports artisanal and small-scale mining operations in the developing world. These programs help miners overcome challenges such as:
Unfair wages and lack of financial security in the mining sector.
Lack of safety measures leading to dangerous working conditions.
Exploitation, including child labour and human rights abuses.
With Fairmined premiums and market incentives, mining communities can generate money for schools, improving healthcare, and community development projects.
How to Shop for Ethical Jewellery
When you’re ready to shop for ethical jewellery, keep these tips in mind:
Ask Questions: Where does the gold come from? Is it Fairtrade certified or recycled gold?
Look for Certifications: Choose jewellery that meets Fairmined standards or is verified by the RJC.
Choose Thoughtfully: From recycled materials to bespoke jewellery, every piece can reflect your values and style.
At Kernow Gold, we’re proud to offer ethical jewellery options, including Fairmined gold, recycled gold, Single Mine Origin Gold and pieces crafted with responsible mining practices.
Why Choosing Ethical Gold Jewellery Is the Future
The jewellery industry is changing, driven by consumers who care about human rights, the environment, and ethical sourcing. By choosing ethical jewellery for gifts, special occasions, or everyday wear, you’re making a difference—one piece at a time.
This year is the perfect time to prioritize sustainable choices. Whether it’s recycled gold, Fairtrade gold, or Single Mine Origin gold, every purchase has the power to create a better future for miners, communities, and the planet.
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