Fairtrade Gold at Form Bespoke Jewellers
Here at Form Bespoke Jewellers, we are proud to be ethical jewellers offering Fairtrade Gold, recycled platinum and traceable, ethical metals.
We offer our customers Fairtrade Gold as a the first option for any fine jewellery piece. This is the case whether it is a bespoke engagement ring, wedding ring, eternity ring or dress ring.
What is Fairtrade Gold?
Fairtrade Gold seeks to make a difference to the lives of artisanal miners worldwide. Currently, there are 30 million artisanal miners in the world. By choosing Fairtrade Gold, you are supporting a project that has the potential to improve the quality of life of 100 million people affected by the gold mining industry.
Fairtrade Standards
Children and Fairtrade
Fairtrade ensures that no one under the age of 18 can work underground in artisanal mines. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to enter mines. Furthermore, all of-age miners receive a fair wage and work fair hours.
Women and fairtrade
Women working on Fairtrade mines are given a voice. They are involved in conversations about how to use the Fairtrade premium, helping to improve local infrastructure, schools and health care. Mining practices are also legalised and as a result women are protected by the law. Consequently, they have access to safe equipment and their children can go to school.
Fairtrade and the Environment
Fairtrade ensures the environment is not damaged through gold mining activities. Fairtrade seeks to eliminate the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide (used in gold amalgamation processes) by investing in gold catchers. However, until gold catchers can be purchased, mercury is used within a contained area. So, gloves and masks are provided to prevent inhalation of mercury vapours. Care is also taken, to avoid chemicals entering water systems.
Fairtrade and Safety
Safety clothing and equipment is provided for miners, who would otherwise not have access to it. Explosives used to build mine shafts are used responsibly. Training on how to use equipment and safely mine gold is also provided. In addition, hard wood is provided to build secure mine shafts and appropriate footwear is provided.
Fairtrade Premium
A 10% Fairtrade Premium, enables miners to make improvements to their local community. This includes developments to infrastructure, health care and education. Miners collectively decide how the premium will be used, and all voices are listened to. The premium has since been used to build a dentists, football fields, and to make improvements to local schools. Without Fairtrade, these integral changes would otherwise not have been made.
If you would like to discuss the Fairtrade options available for your bespoke jewellery piece, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our expert team. We are always happy to talk through our ethical sourcing processes here at Form Bespoke Jewellers.
Hockley Mint Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme
We are a part of the Hockley Mint Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme. This enables us to be at the forefront of exciting and important changes in the jewellery industry. One where Fairtrade Gold is promoted and preferred to non-traceable gold.