What is ethical gold and what brands are using it?

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the provenance of the products they buy. Price is important, but so too is knowing that a product is of a high quality and has been responsibly sourced.Only a tiny percentage of precious metal utilised in the jewellery or investment sectors has a traceable source of origin and having the reassurance of detailed provenance always attracts a substantial price premium.SMO certification and stamping provides an auditable chain of custody for every gram of gold and peace of mind that this metal has been produced within strict parameters of corporate, social and environmental responsibility.SMO denotes gold that has been produced by a legitimate mining operation which holds no ties to conflict, where miners are being paid a just wage under secure employment. Furthermore, SMO guarantees that the communities living locally to the gold source are benefitting from sustainability initiatives carried out by the mining operation. Such initiatives include programmes centred on education, healthcare, safe drinking water and agricultural prosperity to support a wide number of people.

We are FLOCERT accredited to process Fairtrade Gold. FLOCERT is an independent body that ensures producers and traders comply with the FLO International Fairtrade Standards. Fairtrade safeguards the ethical mining of Gold, in turn, making sure miners, miner’s families and communities dependent on their trade get a fair return for their hard work. This includes making sure small-scale artisanal miners are given a fair price for their product, as well as being provided with a premium to improve their businesses and contribute toward amenities such as healthcare, clean water and education.Fairtrade is renowned worldwide not only for helping those at the bottom of a long and complex trade structure but also globally raising awareness of inequality and driving up standards across the board.We not only sell Fairtrade gold but Betts Metals is the only UK refiners who have been audited and accredited to process Fairtrade Gold & Silver.Our Fairtrade number is: 26139

Fairmined Gold is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small scale mining organisations who meet world leading standards for responsible practices. Fairmined is backed by rigorous 3rd party certification and audit systems that ensures that artisanal and small-scale mining organisations meet world leading standards for responsible practices, delivering organizational and social development and environmental protection.Betts Metal Sales is proud to be an authorised supplier of Fairmined Gold. We don’t currently hold a stock range, but can produce your wires and grain within 3 to 4 days.For more information www.fairmined.orgOur Fairtrade number is: 26139