I invite you to check out Sorrel Sky Gallery's Margaret Hedderman blog post of a clear, inspiring and compelling case for insisting on Fairtrade and Fairmined gold jewelry.

http://www.sorrelsky.wordpress.com/tag/oro-verde-gold/

Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) announces its Second Annual Gold Conference, “Gold: Vision, Value and Values.” This two-day event will feature experts in the fields of mining, jewelry, collecting, finance, and sustainability who examine gold and its historical and contemporary role in culture. The conference will take place April 12 – 13, 2012, at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (Fifth Ave. at 34th Street).

At no other conference will the voices of jewelers, mining companies, investors, museums, environmental organizations and scientists be given the equal weight necessary to spark critical conversations. GOLD is unique in its approach and aims to create a roundtable environment where attendees can reach across the "table" and engage with unlikely conversation partners.

Click here for Speakers and Registration Information

*Valentine's Day 2011:
That which has never moved is now moving!*

Two weeks ago a South American gold mining cooperative in
Cotapata, Bolivia became the first ever Certified Fairtrade gold
mine in the world and lastweek the Condoto Iró Community
Council from the Oro Verde (Green Gold) initiative, were issued
their Fairtrade and Fairmined certificates for Ecological Gold

These certifications represent a breakthrough in recognizing
and valuing responsible mining practices, a breakthrough in a
fair opportunity for artisanal and small scale miners, their
families and communities everywhere, and a breakthrough in
a world where we have repeatedly turned a blind eye to the lack
of integrity behind the goods and services we buy.

Distinct from any time before, people now will be able to purchase
jewelry they can fully cherish and be proud of where it came from
and what it represents, jewelry created from gold that has been
independently certified to have been mined and processed in a
socially and environmentally responsible manner where the miners
have been paid a premium for their stewardship of the land and for
developing model, sustainable communities.

A difference is being made.

Artisanal and small-scale miners produce about 15% of world gold
supplies annually yet comprise roughly 90% of the workforce in gold
extraction. These artisanal miners are traditionally marginalized, are
often forced to mine illegally and are among the worlds most poor
and disadvantaged. The launch of Fairtrade and Fairmined certified
gold provides a lifeline for communities who find themselves at the
mercy of volatile markets when agriculture and other livelihoods are
not viable.

Jorge Perea, community leader of Oro Verde in Condoto, Colombia
said: ‘We consider Fairtrade and Fairmined certification meets the
needs of miners seeking to improve their quality of life and
strengthen our identity as an ethnic group, which was the aim of this
worldwide process inspired by Oro Verde. Thanks to the hard work
of ARM to gather the efforts of the mining communities in Latin
America and the alliance with the Fairtrade system, we celebrate
the launch of a label that makes our common dream come true.
The golden doors of fairness are now open for all the small miners
in the world’.

Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said:
‘The reality of gold production is at complete odds with what
consumers imagine. Consumers care about the conditions faced
by miners. This is why Fairtrade and Fairmined gold has the
potential to tackle unfair supply chains, improve working and
environmental conditions and deliver tangible and sustainable
economic benefits to impoverished communities. Now that is
what I call a labor of love.’

Quoted from the Oro Verde website, 'Green Gold Products go
beyond the sphere of beauty to locate us in a world of means
and senses where one of the most biodiverse and needed
regions in the planet is socially and environmentally protected.'

There is a growing band of jewelers, designers and goldsmith that
have embarked on a mission to have the jewelry industry be
accountable and responsible for creating and selling jewelry that has
a transparent chain of custody without abuse, neglect or disregard for
the earth or its people. Obviously the task is daunting and still is
completely worth the time, effort and attention. This travesty has been happening on our watch and it's our issue to address.

That you have read this far has me suspect that you're someone who
has an active commitment to life working and I appreciate the courage
required to take actions in the face of seemingly insurmountable
forces and circumstances. Here are a couple of links that provide
further opportunities for ethical action.

http://www.nodirtygold.org/
http://www.fairjewelry.org/
http://www.earthworksaction.org/home.cfm

Thanks for your commitment!

Toby Pomeroy