B Corporation
Certified B Corps are companies that have met a 360 degree view of their ethical practices and how they change positively impact the world around them. There is a long audit process where we, like other companies, had to detail how our products are made, how we paid our workers, how we effected positive social change in our local communities among many other social metrics. As a certified B-Corp, we are proud to join international brands such as Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s. You can learn more about B Corporations at www.bcorporation.net.
Fairtrade Gold
We are the first jeweller in North America to use Fairtrade certified gold. The Fairtrade Labelling Organization is the same body that certifies products such as Coffee and Cocoa, and our certification is subject to a quarterly report and review. You will recognize our certification by the Fairtrade logo that is stamped into all of our rings using Fairtrade gold. You can learn more about this gold here.
Fairmined
We are the first jeweller in North America and the second in the world (Chopard was first–but that’s pretty good company to be in) to use Fairmined certified gold. The Alliance for Responsible Mining in the body that sets the standard for Fairmined certified metals.
Responsible Jewellery Council
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is an industry-led group of jewellers that sets standards for everyone in the industry–from miners to retailers–so that consumers can be confident that a purchase from an RJC member has met the highest standard for ethical practices on both a product and management level. To gain and maintain our RJC membership, (we hold certification for both manufacturing and retail) we’re subject to 3rd party audits of our management and production processes.
One of our founders, Ryan Taylor, sits on the RJC board and is past co-chair of the standards committee which oversees the standards implemented for all members.
American Gem Society
The American Gem Society (AGS) is not well known amongst consumers outside of the United States, but it’s an organisation that is based upon education and consumer protection. To become members, we were required to submit a detailed application, as well as letters of reference from existing AGS members. It is, without question, an elite organisation and the process of applying is akin to applying to graduate school. To maintain our membership, we have to write an exam every year, one that includes everything from gemology to business practices. Honestly, it feels a bit like being a student. You can learn more about the AGS at www.americangemsociety.org
Competition Bureau of Canada
We have also been awarded the right to use the Canada ‘National Mark’ for all of our made in Canada jewellery. To gain this, we were subject to a government audit of our processes and production.
© 2006–2017 Fair Trade Jewellery Co.
