Colored Stones

Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints

Sears, Ultra, Blue Nile to avoid 'dirty' gold

60 jewelers now committed to sourcing precious metals responsibly

November 18, 2009

Washington--Sears Holdings (parent company of Sears and Kmart), Ultra Stores and Blue Nile announced today their decision to shun irresponsible gold mining and seek cleaner sources of gold and precious metals.

The three retail jewelers have joined 57 other jewelers, including Ben Bridge Jeweler, J.C. Penney, Leber Jeweler, QVC, Signet Group, Tiffany and Co., Wal-Mart and Zale Corp., in signing the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules for responsible sourcing of precious metals, which require the following:
  • Respect basic human rights as outlined in international conventions and laws.
  • Obtain the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities.
  • Respect workers' rights and labor standards, including safe working conditions.
  • Ensure that operations are not located in areas of armed or militarized conflict.
  • Ensure that projects do not force communities off their lands.
  • Refrain from dumping mine waste into oceans, rivers, lakes or streams.
  • Ensure that projects are not located in protected areas, fragile ecosystems or other areas of high conservation or ecological value.
  • Ensure that projects do not contaminate water, soil or air with sulfuric acid drainage or other toxic chemicals.
  • Cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites.
  • Fully disclose information about social and environmental effects of projects.
  • Allow independent verification of the above.
"The No Dirty Gold campaign applauds this important step taken by Sears, Kmart, Blue Nile and Ultra Stores," said Payal Sampat of Earthworks, which spearheads the No Dirty Gold campaign, in a media release. "We look forward to working with these companies to find solutions to irresponsible gold-mining practices."

According to No Dirty Gold, Sears, Ultra and Blue Nile have signed on to the Golden Rules at a time when discussions are advancing on third-party certification of more responsible mining practices through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).

"The No Dirty Gold campaign is a great initiative that pushes for sustainability and ethnical sourcing on gold. We are proud to be a part of it and to offer our customers gold that was obtained in a responsible manner," said Michelle Pearlman, senior vice president and president of jewelry at Sears Holdings. "Sears strives to be a green company, and we will continue to work to build lifetime relationships with our customers starting from the mines up."

According to No Dirty Gold, the production of one gold ring generates, on average, 20 tons of mine waste. In addition, gold mining has been linked to human rights violations, forest destruction, toxic pollution and loss of lands and livelihoods.

To learn more about the No Dirty Gold campaign and to see a complete list of retail jewelers who have signed on to the campaign's Golden Rules, visit the No Dirty Gold Web site, NoDirtyGold.org.
Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints
Post a Comment
* Required field
* Author:
* Comment:
 

More Colored Stones

Campbell Bridges
Report: Mastermind behind Bridges slaying arrested

A man believed to be the mastermind behind the slaying of tsavorite founder Campbell Bridge in Kenya last summer was arrested in Nairobi, according to a report issued early Tuesday from the International Colored Gemstone Association. Read More

Red, pink coral protection gains more ground
N.J. jeweler, emerald dealer files Chapter 11
More Colored Stones

More Like This

Design Portfolio

Daily News

Get breaking news from the industry's premier information source.
See Sample & Privacy Policy

advertisement

Video

Small multi video player located on right rail of NJN site

advertisement

Sponsored by:

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.
Newsletters
Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.
Reader Connect
ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.
Jewelry Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.
Classifieds
Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.
NJN Customer Connect
CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

advertisement