A Big Fat Ethical Jewelry Lie: “Eco-friendly” Recycled Gold Wedding/Engagement Rings

RECYCLED GOLD IS DIRTY GOLD!  Same environmental and social atrocities as any other gold mining.  The “certification” of recycled gold goes back only to the refinery.  There’s no tractability back to the mine.

 

Unfortunately, in North America, recycled gold is branded as “eco-friendly” gold by jewelers who then fool consumers into thinking that they are making a difference in purchasing an “eco-friendly” recycled gold wedding ring.

 

In fact, the advocacy of recycled gold as a consumer facing narrative is one of the biggest obstacles to an ethical jewelry movement in North America based upon real support of producer communities.

 

Fairtrade gold is far and away the best option for ethical gold.   In the UK, Fairtrade Gold is the ethical jewelry choice.  There are over 200 jewelers that sell fairtrade gold.  In the US, unfortunately, that is not the case.  I remain the only one– after 3 years.

 

Read why Fairtrade Gold is the best choice here: 15 Reasons Why You Should Buy Fairtrade Gold vs. Recycled Gold.   

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