Fairtrade and Fairmind were officially launched in February 2011 and there are currently 25 designers and manufacturers licensed to use it.
Finished articles can be identified by the Fairtrade and Fairmined (dual stamp) mark which can only be struck by the UK Assay Offices, providing traceability.
There are currently relatively small amounts of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold available, all deriving from alluvial mining in South America, but this is huge progress.
This has been achieved by a small team of dedicated campaigners who have met the challenge and proved many industry observers wrong.
The Birmingham Assay Office is pleased to have been able to contribute to the delivery of Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold. The first batch of dual stamped 18ct Gold wedding and engagement rings were made by John Titcombe Jewellers in Bristol. The product was cast by Niagara Falls Castings of Warwick.
(Courtesy ‘The Anchor’)
