'Standard Zero' seeks to certify gold

Fashion

Save

E-mail

'Standard Zero' seeks to certify gold

November 13, 2007

Similar Stories | Topics

STORIES

New paper chronicles how diamonds work for development

Madison Dialogue addresses ethical jewelry standards

CRJP prepares to implement Code of Practices

TOPICS

Business | Fair Trade | Trade

Washington, D.C.—The Madison Dialogue, an initiative established to promote ethical and fair-trade jewelry products amongst a cross-section of industry representatives, has published its second white paper entitled "Getting to Fair Trade Gold and Jewelry" by Cristina Echavarria, secretary general of the Association for Responsible Mining (ARM).

The paper discusses the Standard Zero process, which will certify that gold from artisanal and small-scale miners meets social, environmental and human rights standards, and provides added economic benefit to local communities.

The project seeks to link an emerging grassroots movement in ethically produced metals and gems with the global fair-trade movement. For the first time, the result would be the presence in jewelry stores of jewelry sourced from gold that meets standards of environmental accountability, economic justice and local sustainability.

"Standard Zero certification will offer an economic incentive for artisanal miners to demonstrate that they are a legitimate part of the mining sector, that they can do things right and, by so doing, greatly improve the quality of life of their communities," Echavarria said in a statement. "These miners want a decent and productive way to raise their families in a safe environment."

The paper further describes Standard Zero's process of creating environmental and social standards, as well as maps out the framework by which artisanal and small-scale miners can organize and collaborate with upstream purchasers to guarantee that a chain of custody of the mined metals occurs, ensuring jewelers of where their precious metals are sourced. The process also guarantees a simultaneous return of fair wages and a premium to those who actually mine the metals.

Trial implementations of Standard Zero will take place in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. "Certified Fair-Trade Artisanal Gold," produced according to Standard Zero, is expected in 2009.

Artisanal and small-scale mining produces 20 percent to 25 percent of all non-fuel metals, including precious metals.

For the full report, visit the Madison Dialogue Web site, Madisondialogue.com.

Editor's note: For earlier developments in this story, see Madison Dialogue addresses ethical jewelry standards.

Save

E-mail

More Fashion

Latest Christie's auction sells 50 percent by lot

Geneva--A day after the three top diamond lots failed to sell at Sotheby's auction in Geneva, a Christie's auction in the same city sold only 50 percent by lot. Read More

Big diamonds don't sell at Sotheby's

Large diamonds to highlight December auction

More Fashion News

More Like This

New paper chronicles how diamonds work for development

July 18, 2008 | National Jeweler Network

Madison Dialogue addresses ethical jewelry standards

November 08, 2007 | National Jeweler Network

CRJP prepares to implement Code of Practices

June 18, 2007 | National Jeweler Network

TOPICS

Business | Fair Trade | Trade

Design Portfolio

BROWSE

Video

Retailer Toolbar

LoupeIt!
A search engine designed specifically for the jewelry industry where every return is relevant to the retail jeweler.

Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.

ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.

Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.

Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.

CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.