Sustainable Jewellery: What Does Ethical Gold and Fair Gemstones Mean?

More and more people are wondering where their jewellery comes from. What is the origin of the gold? Were the gemstones mined fairly? These are legitimate questions, and I am happy to tell you how I approach this as a goldsmith.

What is ethical gold?

Ethical gold is mined in a way that takes into account the people who mine it and the environment. Fairtrade gold is the best-known label: it guarantees a fair price for miners and prohibits child labour and hazardous chemicals.

What is recycled gold?

Recycled gold is a sustainable alternative: it is gold that already exists, melted down and reused. It has exactly the same quality as newly mined gold, but requires no new mining. Much of the gold I use is recycled.

Fair gemstones

The jewellery world faces challenges around transparency. I work as much as possible with suppliers who can trace the origin of their stones. Lab-grown gemstones are also an interesting option: complete traceability, no mining required.

My approach

Sustainability is not a marketing label for me, but a choice I make every day. I consciously choose materials with the smallest possible impact and work with suppliers I trust.

Want a sustainable piece of jewellery made? At my studio in Oud-Heverlee we are happy to discuss the possibilities.