Make It Fair - Erin Cox Jewellery's Commitment to Fairtrade Gold

The Story Behind Erin Cox Jewellery's Commitment to Fairtrade Gold

As of this writing, fewer than 50 makers are registered to work with Fairtrade Gold in the UK. We are very proud that Erin is one of them!

At Erin Cox Jewellery, we feel a profound responsibility toward ethical sourcing. We believe that the beauty of a piece lies not just in its appearance but in the story behind it. This belief has led us to focus on remodelling old gold, using recycled gold, and creating our Fairtrade Gold collection. In this blog post, we explore Fairtrade Gold, explain why it is so important to us, and why it should matter to you too.

What is Fairtrade Gold?

Fairtrade Gold is gold that has been responsibly mined, meaning that the miners earn fairer wages and work under safer conditions. Fairtrade Gold is a product of ethical practices. Small-scale miners working with Fairtrade are paid a fairer price and receive an additional premium (known as the Fairtrade Premium), which they can invest back into their businesses and communities, for example, for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Where does Fairtrade Gold come from?

The Fairtrade Gold we use comes from artisanal mines, currently sourced from Peru... where our friend Paddington Bear originated!

Why We Choose Fairtrade Gold

  1. Collaborating with miners and their communities
    At the heart of Fairtrade Gold is a commitment to fairer practices so that miners can improve their lives and those of their families. Gold mining can be dangerous and poorly paid. By using Fairtrade Gold, miners are compensated fairly for their hard work, supporting them to build better lives for themselves and their communities. This is not just about fairer pay; it’s about collaboration with miners to foster sustainable development in regions that need it most.

  2. Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Practices
    Mining can have negative impacts on the environment, particularly when done irresponsibly. Fairtrade Gold Standards include strict criteria to minimise environmental damage, such as reducing the use of harmful chemicals like mercury and mining sites being rehabilitated after use. By choosing Fairtrade Gold, Erin Cox Jewellery actively supports more environmentally friendly practices, contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.

  3. Transparency and Traceability
    One of the biggest challenges in the gold industry is the lack of transparency in the supply chain. Fairtrade Gold offers complete traceability from mine to market, so that every gram of gold we use can be traced back to its source. This transparency is crucial for us at Erin Cox Jewellery because it aligns with our commitment to honesty and integrity in everything we do. We want our customers to wear our pieces with pride, knowing that their jewellery has been sourced responsibly.

The Mark of Integrity

Each of our Fairtrade Gold designs bears the recognizable Fairtrade logo stamp alongside the hallmark, as a mark of assurance. It’s lovely to think that in 50 or 100 years, someone will be able to trace the ethical nature of the gold simply by reading the hallmark!

Our Commitment to Ethical Jewellery

At Erin Cox Jewellery, we support Fairtrade Gold by investing in their licensing, allowing us to legitimately offer you genuine ethical choices. We are subject to terms and checks to ensure the integrity and promise of this Fairtrade Gold, so you can shop with confidence. Erin’s decision to use Fairtrade Gold is more than just a business choice; it’s a reflection of our values. We believe that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand, and we are proud to offer our customers the opportunity to make a positive difference with their jewellery choices.

Further Fairtrade Gold Q&A’s

  • We offer both 9ct & 18ct Fairtrade Gold in our boutique and to those interested in commissioning.

  • We offer red, white and yellow Fairtrade Gold options.

  • There is a premium on Fairtrade Gold that reflects the cost of maintaining & supporting the ethical practise.

  • Ethical gold is a term that could be used to encompass a broad range of types of gold such as recycled or remodelled gold. However it is a term that can be used without regulation.

    Fairtrade Gold however, is a well respected and recognised global certification system. It is an institution with a specific set of standards, with strict regulations and processes (as detailed above).

Shop our Fairtrade Gold Collection here or why not commission one of our molten wedding rings in Fairtrade Gold (POR).

Erin Cox