Thank you to everyone for your support this year. It has been amazing. Read our 2011 Highlights
Through the campaigning and ethical jewellery produced we know that together we are making a positive impact on the lives of the Fairtrade miners, and the jewellery industry is starting to take notice.
The journey continues with our Winter Sale starting tomorrow, and fresh new ethical jewellery collections in the new year - so stay tuned.
Sign up for our newsletter to keep abreast of events, new products and exclusive offers to your inbox monthly.
After years working in South America, developing the basis for Fairtrade gold and helping small-scale miners prepare for exporting under Fairtrade, for CRED the next step is Africa.
Greg Valerio, Founder of CRED, is working with small scale miners in Africa with the aim of embedding the Fairtrade gold idea across Africa
creating value chains that deliver social, environmental and economic
benefits to local people. Here he gives us the lowdown of those first steps towards making Fairtrade Gold in Africa a reality.
"Julius contacted me via this blog back in January of this year. A
Kenyan born activist, Julius had grown tired of the endless fundraising
form filling you need to undertake when you work with an NGO. As a local
Migori County man he had grown up surrounded by artisanal small-scale
miners and was familiar with the lifestyles, environmental impact and
social conditions that the many thousands of miners endured in order to
to pay there daily way in the world. So I was delighted when Julius
showed a considerable amount of interest in how Fairtrade Fairmined Gold
could work in his locality. We talked throughout the year and planned.
One of the biggest reasons why Julius approached the Fairtrade process,
was because the local miners wanted ‘to be free of the economic slavery forced on them by the Asian traders in the region’.
Migori County (MICA) Artisanal Mining COOP was established to allow
the local miners and traders to come together and to formalise their
relationships in such a way as they could move forward to achieve
Fairtrade status and begin exporting their production directly to the
international market. Additionally by removing themselves from the
economic controls of the bigger traders they would be able to increase
their prices and begin lifting themselves out of the poverty that this
form of gold trading creates.
Illustratively, the local gold business works through networks of
local traders, linking with the artisan miners and then selling their
production back to central processing hubs were the production is
weighed, tested for purity and then smelted into simple ‘doray’ bars
(unrefined gold bars) before it is moved to Nairobi and then sold to
refiners in Dubai. This system is funded at the front end by money from
the traders, who due to their financing, control and monopolise the
entire region. They buy the gold at discounted rates as much as -28% as
I discovered and then adjust for purity. Many miners complain of dodgy
scales and purity testing. For example, I had one local processor boast
about his cheap PC computer that could scan gold and give a 100%
accurate reading on the purity. The genius of this system is it keeps
everyone in debt. The local trader may make an average commission as
little as KSH 80-100 per gram that he buys on behalf of the Asian buyers
with their money. Everyone owes money to these monopoly traders and
therefore you have an effective and very efficient form of economic
slavery. Any deviation from the proscribed process meets with a swift
response as we were to find out.
Over the course of the year, I and others had worked with MICA to see
them formalise into a COOP, secure a direct export license and then
create a traceable supply chain that would link transparently the miner
to the end purchaser of their gold. This in an of itself is progressive
as we had to work our way through the myriad of prejudice that exists
towards small-scale miners from the refiners, shipping companies and
potential financiers and business men, all whose lives are linked to
risk mitigation and protecting their investments. Although
understandable to a degree, it becomes untenable when in the name of
ethics and justice people expect the poor to underwrite their risk with
personal guarantees etc.
Anyway with MICA at one end and CRED Jewellery stepping up to the
plate to act as the buyer, we booked the trip with a view to enabling
the first direct export of gold from a small-scale mining coop from
Kenya in the history of the country. The simple aim to enable the COOP
to export it first shipment and thereby open up a supply route that
would give the COOP access to the international market as well as lay
the foundations for a vital part of their becoming a Fairtrade certified
mining operation.
However, and this is where it came unstuck, the financial, social,
cultural and indentured relationships that have governed this area for
so long were not happy with the idea of the local miners being free to
export directly, as this would be an erosion of the power they have in
the region. Traders have all the power in these artisanal relationships
and the COOP discovered that the wrong trader in the mix can kill a
process by simply using the economic leverage they have to dictate
price, pre-finance behaviour and loyalty. As we came to the day of the
trade, it became increasingly obvious that the big traders had a plant
in the COOP who simply killed the opportunity, withheld a part of the
services needed and prevented the COOP from delivering. That same
evening certain members of the COOP were visited by local bully boys and
everyone got the message that this movement towards economic
independence was not going to be tolerated by the invisible status-quo. It is a strange thing knowing that you are so near, yet so far. I
literally watched the gold disappear in front of my eyes. It was all
there, yet the COOP could not bring it all together and deliver and of
course this all happened on the same day as the money for the shipment
arrived in the COOP account. Also I was now being advised to get out of
the area for awhile as things were heating up and the COOP were not
happy about the deteriorating security situation. So with driver and
passport to hand I jumped into a car and drove to Mwanza to visit some
friends there, while the COOP waited for the situation to calm down.
I learned a very valuable lesson on this trip. Traders have the
potential to create problems in a way that anyone in the fair trade
movement must never underestimate. The Gold mafia are a very real
obstacle to change and we must have a strategy for dealing with them.
And also that a quality relationship is often forged in adversity, as
opposed to success. In many ways the COOP needed to fail on the first
trade so that they could fully understand the scale of the mountain they
want to climb and how much work they will have to put into their dream.
The COOP I am pleased to say as we parted company with them having
transferred the money back to the UK, were very clear of their continued
commitment to becoming a Fairtrade COOP. Are now much clearer as to
what the obstacles are and also the relationships that prevented their
first shipment. In truth we stress tested the system and in doing so all
have a greater understanding of what not to do in the future.
Is there a future? Yes there is, and I hope to be able to update
everyone on our progress early in the New Year as CRED and MICA seek to
facilitate Kenya’s first export from a local COOP.
We're in the festive spirit & couldn't resist the chance to brag about our fave 5 fairtrade gold rings (and earrings...).
Don't forget there's still time to order for Christmas - order by 12pm noon on Thursday 22nd Dec.
Twisted hoop earrings - Ok, not technically rings, but we love these, literally a twist on the classic hoop earrings and perfect to jazz up that party outfit this Christmas. 40% off - Now £33 fairtrade gold plated
Gold pipal filigree ring - A best seller. The cut-out design creates a filigree-like pattern which looks luxurious. 40% off - Now £36 fairtrade gold plated
Brilliant Illusion ring - A classic ring with a sparkle - the diamond appears to be suspended in the band, but it is discreetly held secure. Perfect for a special gift or your Christmas proposal. Choose white or yellow fairtrade gold. 30% off - Now from £486.50
Liana Vines ring - a band of intricately woven golden vines wraps around the finger. We love the detail of the leaves. Made in solid Fairtrade Eco gold and inagined by celebrity jewellery designer Sophie Harley. 30% off - Now £346.50
Juana ring with Aqua & Diamonds - This really would be the best christmas gift ever! From the collection designed for Livia Firth to wear on the Oscars red carpet this year, the Juana ring is made from Fairtrade white gold with an oversized 2ct Aquamarine and 20 ethical diamonds set around the band. Simply £2000
There are just 9 days till Christmas, and only 5 till last posting dates for UK orders to make the most of the offer of up to 40% off CRED ethical jewellery.
Perfect for gifts, or a treat for your party season, Fairtrade is quality jewellery that will last, and which has the uniquely positive story of Fairtrade behind it. Prices start at just £24.
CRED founder, Greg Valerio is not resting on his laurels after winning the Observer Ethical Awards Campaigner of the Year. In fact, he is working harder than ever.
The economic climate has seen demand rise massively for gold, seen as a stable investment. In an opaque industry, bullions can be made up of gold from hundreds of small scale mines where people are working in dangerous conditions or handling murcury with their hands. Even more worryingly, gold is smuggled out of mines controlled by militia where horrific crimes take place, and this gets lost in a system which allows it to take place. It is increasingly important that the people mining this precious commodity do so safely and with rights. Read more on Mining the Truth on the Financial Times.
This week has seen Greg on TV in the USA and Sweden where he has been helping the jewellery industries work towards adopting Fairtrade gold standards similar to the UK's Fairtrade and Fairmined certified gold.
The USA will be launching their Fairtrade standard in 2012. Greg has been holding meetings with miners, refiners, industry groups and non-governmental organisations to get the ball rolling. He wants so set up a fairtrade supply chain for American consumers. Here he is on NBC:
The Swedish Fairtrade organisation along with a non-profit organisation SwedWatch have recently launched a report on the Swedish jewellery industry. Here is Greg talking on Swedish channel SVT:
At CRED we receive our gold direct from the mine. It has all come from one source and hasn't been through middle-men or refined with any other gold. (Read about CRED Fairtrade gold) So we know it is possible to have a transparent and traceable supply chain - we hope the rest of the industry soon catches up.
Ultimately, the gold industry will probably only improve when consumers start demanding it. So get demanding!
The beautiful OAK Fine Jewellery has been especially popular recently - not surprising really as it is stunning...
As well as taking part in Vogue's Online Fashion Week, OAK has been selected as one of the finalists to win a place at London Jewellery Week 2012. The competition is now in the hands of the public vote (fingers-crossed). The voting finishes tomorrow and it would be beyond exciting if they win as we believe OAK is the only Fairtrade Liscensee in the ten shortlisted to win. Winning the stand would help promote fairtrade jewellery to trade and consumers, and raise the profile of Fairtrade gold to go on to aid the miners.
If you love what you see at OAK could we ask you to vote for OAK. It is as simple as clicking on www.professionaljeweller.com and scrolling down to the voting panel and selecting 'OAK' then 'VOTE'
OAK are still newbies, in their first year of trading, so this would be a great achievement.
We love OAK and their fine ethical jewelery inspired by nature. Each OAK ethical jewellery design holds an element of the story that inspired it as well as respecting it's materials and manufacturing.
On Monday 5th December, after Global Witness announced they were pulling out of the Kimberley Process Channel 4 news asked many diamond traders for their comment of the current position on KP.
As most cannot determine the origin of their diamonds they were not ready to comment, but here at CRED we only offer traceable diamonds and gems so we can tell you exactly which mine it is from and know that it is a conflict-free diamond.
Here is the report from the 7pm news, including Christian Cheesman speaking from the CRED Chichester Boutique.
Now that gold has a Fairtrade certification we are striving to see the same for diamonds. There is a long way to go but we know it can be done. The first step needed is a new independently audited certification of conflict-free diamonds to replace the now discredited Kimberley Process.
Christian is one of the few people in the jewellery industry to have knowledge of the whole chain from mine to retail. He will be visiting one of the mines where we source our diamonds in Namibia in February. We will share pictures, videos and stories from the mine so you can see the whole background of the stone in your jewellery or engagement ring.
Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe have long been fans of the fashion jewellery creations of Daisy Knights, and we are offering you 25% off.
Yes you did hear us right! For a limited time only we are offering 25% off one of CRED's most desired designers. With quirky charms the tie cords and pendadnts are just as popular with guys as gals. Daisy Knights is the perfect ethical Christmas gift or a pre Christmas treat for yourself.
You can get your 25% off both the online and in the Chichester boutique and with Daisy being a favourite we can't guarantee how long stock will last.
And don't forget there is free delivery from our online store and a Christmas wrapping service available in the Chichester boutique. This year we are helping you make Christmas as easy as pie, mince pie of course...
Charmian Gooch, the charity's founding
director, explained why on Radio 4's Today Programme this morning. Listen at 7.12am to hear her explaination. Listen again
Mel White jewellery debut collections have landed in Cred, just in time to add to your Christmas wish list.
Her inspiration from line and form clearly reflect her experience as a graphic designer. Taking this from both nature and man Mel’s pieces are truly unique and are full with meanings and symbolism.
White’s connection with nature has led her to seek out a different metal to the silver she mainly uses, by using sustainably sourced wood she has created organic pieces which still hold a modern feel. The wood also brings stunning tones to her pieces, but still complimenting the recycled silver and 24ct gold plate.
To explore the whole range and discover the meaning behind them go to the Cred website.
Do you have a dream of having your own sustainable dress design made by Vogue.com? Well, now's your chance.
As part of Online Fashion Week next week (5-9th Dec), the Design a Dress competition will get your ideas infront of the fashion industry's big names, including Livi Firth, who knows a thing or two about sustainable fashion creations following her two years of the Green Carpet Challenge.
The winning dress will be chosen by Livia
Firth, Ruth
Chapman and the team from Matchesfashion.com, Vogue.com
editor Dolly Jones and sustainable fashion consultant Jocelyn
Whipple. It will be manufactured in a suitable sustainable fabric
and sold alongside Matches' own label, Freda, during the
spring/summer 2012 season. What an opportunity!
The announcement will be made at midday on Friday 9th, so get designing... You can enter the competition now via the British Vogue Facebook page.
Check back on our blog and twitter for details of the CRED Jewellery offers and special discounts as part of Online Fashion Week #OFW
