Seeking to marry ethics and aesthetics
In spite of the short-term economic benefits it may bring, the mining and processing of precious metals and gems is hazardous for workers and communities alike, and can often devastate important ecosystems. Yet boycotting the use of mined minerals would deprive literally millions of artisanal miners and gem manufacturers of desperately needed livelihoods.
At CRED, we use our demand for minerals to help improve the livelihoods and protect the environments of the people whose lives are affected by our business activities.
As the pioneers of Fairtrade practices in this industry, we have constantly sought partners who reflect our values and who can help us achieve our dream of 100% independently certified Fairtrade jewellery.
Our Fairtrade policy is founded on principles of transparency and traceability. We have to know where our materials come from and all the hands they pass through from source to shop. Where we can, we work with small-scale artisanal miners, often marginalised and exploited by the bigger producers, and seek relationships that benefit entire communities. It’s a work in progress: we have found a source of Fairtrade gold and platinum and used this as the basis for the Fairtrade and Fairmined certifiedgold; we are continually searching for suitable sources for the rest.
Our approach is currently threefold, over precious metals, diamonds and gemstones:
Precious Metals
We are proud to partner with Oro Verde™, producers of the finest Fairtrade Ecological Gold and Platinum. We wish all miners were as skilled and as socially and environmentally responsible as this Colombian collective.
A source of fairly traded, environmentally responsible silver is not possible at present. We’re looking to change that, but until then we will use only 100% Recycled Silver.
Diamonds
All our diamonds are of the highest quality, of exceptional cut, colour and clarity. They are all certified under the Kimberly Process, guaranteeing them as conflict-free.
At present there are no sources of diamond that are independently certified as environmentally and socially responsible, so we are working on international partnerships that will lead towards a fairtrade artisanal diamond and support small-scale miners while delivering sustainable economic justice. Until then we will source our diamonds from Namibia, Canada and Australia so that we can guarantee their origin.
Gemstones
We source beautiful gemstones of the most exceptional colour and clarity from all over the world. As with all our materials, we have to know as much as possible about the stones, their origin and impact, and to be able to visit the mine, should we wish.
As with diamonds there is no independent certification of Fair Trade gemstones at the moment. So we are raising awareness at an international level, and constantly seeking new relationships with like-minded producers and campaigners.
First and foremost we believe in honesty. We promise to tell you not only where our materials come from, but the ethical strengths and weaknesses of every component, so that you as a customer can make an informed choice. We know that we are not perfect, but as pioneers we are constantly striving for improvement.
