The True Story Behind Your Jewellery: Why FairTrade Matters

Have you ever taken a moment to think about where the gold in your jewellery comes from?

Jewellery often commemorates life’s most meaningful moments, such as engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. However, behind the sparkle lies a hidden story. The journey of gold or gemstones often involves unfair labor, unsafe working conditions, and environmental harm. My personal investigation into the origins of the gold and gemstones in my jewellery led me to work exclusively with FairTrade materials. Each piece I create not only looks beautiful but also feels right.

What Is FairTrade in Jewellery?

FairTrade isn’t just for coffee or bananas—it also applies to gold. Traditional mining, especially in less affluent regions, is often linked to child labor, exploitation, poverty wages, and toxic environmental practices. It’s heartbreaking—and it’s avoidable.

FairTrade-certified gold comes from small-scale mines where:

• Workers receive fair wages and work under safe conditions.

• Mining techniques avoid harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide.

• Communities benefit through investments in health, education, and infrastructure.

• There is complete traceability, so I know exactly where the metal came from.

  
  

This approach offers a more responsible and transparent way of doing business—something I’m proud to support.

Why I Choose FairTrade as a Maker

As a jewellery designer and maker based in Leipzig, I believe that beauty should never come at the cost of someone else's wellbeing. When I first learned about the human and environmental costs of conventional mining, it became impossible to ignore. It didn’t sit right with me to pour my heart into creating something meaningful, knowing its materials were tied to suffering.

That’s when I shifted to only using FairTrade and responsibly sourced materials. Every ring, necklace, or pair of earrings I design carries a story of care, craftsmanship, and consciousness.

This transition to ethically sourced materials was not straightforward. Initially, FairTrade certified gold was scarce, especially for small independent jewellers like me. Labels like 'recycled gold' often lacked real transparency about their meanings. It’s essential to clarify that recycled gold does not meet the same standards as FairTrade. The gold being recycled frequently originates from conventional mining. Additionally, it’s misleading. Gold is always recycled; no one discards it, no matter how small the quantities, because of its value. I myself recycle gold in my work. Any scraps or cutoffs from projects are re-melted (often with 'new gold') to create new pieces. The critical difference is that the gold I recycle is FairTrade to start with. There’s so much more to discuss about recycled metals—I will address that in another blog post.

The Rise of FairTrade Jewellery

Thankfully, over the past decade, the market for FairTrade alternatives has expanded. I can now source FairTrade certified gold from an incredible company in Leipzig called Fairever. Their gold comes directly from certified mines, ensuring the highest level of transparency. It’s companies like theirs that have made FairTrade raw materials more accessible.

What It Means for You

Choosing FairTrade jewellery goes beyond ethics—it’s also about connection. When you wear a piece made with FairTrade materials, you're wearing something that:

• Carries a positive impact, supporting miners, families, and communities.

• Comes with transparency, allowing you to know its origins.

• Tells a deeper story, making it even more meaningful for you or your loved ones.

  
  

Many of my clients express that their pieces feel more special because they know the diligence that went into every stage—not just the design but also the sourcing.

How to Tell If Jewellery Is Truly FairTrade

Not all ethical claims are equal. If you want to ensure you're purchasing FairTrade or responsibly sourced jewellery, consider these tips:

• Look for certifications. Always inquire about FairTrade Gold, recycled metals, or conflict-free stones.

• Ask questions. A transparent maker will gladly share their sourcing process.

Whether you are purchasing from me or another jeweller, always feel empowered to inquire. You deserve to know the story behind what you wear.

Jewellery That Tells a Better Story

I believe in jewellery with soul—pieces that honor both the wearer and the artisans who help create them. That’s why FairTrade isn’t a trend in my studio; it’s a commitment.

If you're seeking handcrafted, ethical jewellery that tells a story—whether it's a bespoke engagement ring, a meaningful gift, or something just for you—I’d love to connect.

Let’s create something beautiful together, from the inside out!