Sustainability & Integrity
Since our founding in 2006, we've travelled the globe to build new, evidence-based supply chains for the materials we use. We are focused on reducing the environmental impact of the materials we use while also striving for a more equitable distribution of value along the supply chain.
The AKARA responsible sourcing brand includes gold, diamonds and gems and is a moniker of trust and integrity for materials sourcing.
GOLD
FTJCo's Search for Traceable, Sustainable Gold since 2006
2020: FTJCo launches AKARA People+Planet, our blend of 50% recycled gold and 50% new content from artisanal miners.
We are currently sourcing from Agromining Cooperative of the Municipality of Iquira in Colombia, under the Fairmined standard.
Premiering at the Hot Docs festival, this documentary covers the murky world of gold trading across the globe. With scenes shot in the FTJCo studio, our staff members and clients talk about gold sourcing and why origin matters.
In 2018, FTJCo, working with IMPACT, created the first legal gold supply chain connecting a conflict affected area to North America.
FTJCo travelled to Bolivia to tell the story of a mine certified under the Fairmined standard.
We were the first company in North America to use Fairtrade gold. In 2014, we followed that up by launching Fairmined gold in North America. The gold flakes in this photo are from the first Fairtrade gold in North America which is now part of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights collection.
AKARA GEMS
The AKARA brand of gems have provenance information that can include the country of origin, export or cutting, and often a date of export or gem lab certification.
Taking inspiration from the fashion industry's use of older materials in their supply chains, we began offering gemstones that pre-exist the OECD's guidance for responsible mineral supply chains, first published in July 2011.
We found a passionate Australian cutter who sources from small scale miners in Central Queensland. We loved the variety of colours we could add to our AKARA offerings.
We began working with a company based in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, purchasing gems that they had mined and cut themselves through their partner company Crown Gems. This allowed us to offer curated gems under our AKARA responsible sourcing brand from a new country of origin.
DIAMONDS
Ours is a history of higher standards. From our beginning, we knew diamonds that used only the Kimberley Process for their conflict-free claims were not good enough. Over the years, we have found better sources and we continue that journey today.
FTJCo partnered with Scientific Certification Systems to become the first jeweller to offer diamonds that are certified as socially and environmentally responsible.
FTJCo partnered with Swarovski, a company that shares our values, to launch Swarovski diamonds in North America. At the same time, FTJCo defaulted to Swarovski-cut lab diamonds for its small diamonds below 3.5 mm.
Community Activism
Positive impact around the world and close to home.