Responsible precious metal sourcing matters to me. The jewellery industry often harms the environment and mining communities. Miners are undervalued and underpaid.
Transparency drives my choices. I want you to know where my materials come from and why I choose responsible sources. By sourcing from small-scale artisanal mining, I directly support these communities. Together, we provide fair wages, education, and sustainable livelihoods. We also help protect the environment as these communities work to preserve their local flora and fauna. Choosing responsible precious metals allows us to make a positive impact.
Fairmined
Saskia Shutt Designs is a Fairmined licensed brand. Most of my jewellery is handmade in Fairmined Eco gold and/or Fairmined silver.
Why Fairmined?
I believe it’s my responsibility to offer the best quality to my customers. The materials I use must come from reliable and fair sources. That’s why I choose responsible precious metals.
Fairmined offers the highest quality guarantee. It ensures the work of miners, the well-being of mining communities, and the protection of the environment.
Responsible Precious Metals
All certified jewellers, wholesalers, and mines are audited every three years by a third party. If we don’t meet Fairmined standard, we lose our license. We must then reapply and comply fully. Twice a year, I report all purchases on the Fairmined Connect platform. Every transaction must match purchases from wholesalers, who must also match their purchases from bullion dealers. This process ensures every gram of gold and silver is accounted for and traceable back to the mine.
The Fairmined Eco gold I use comes from the Oro Puno mine in the Andes, Peru. I had the privilege of visiting this mine in 2022.
Better without Mercury is an Ethical Metalsmiths project aimed at helping the Gualconda mine in Colombia eliminate mercury use in mining. The project focuses on three phases: Clean-up, Restoration, and Education.
As a member of Ethical Metalsmiths, I am committed to supporting sustainable and responsible practices in the jewellery industry.
Click the button to learn more.
