More than 60 jewelry companies, including Sears, Herff Jones, and Tiffany & Co., have committed to purchase cleaner sources of gold by endorsing the Golden Rules, a set of principles for more responsible mining. These companies are calling on the mining industry, one of the world’s dirtiest, to move away from current practices that harm local communities and generate millions of tons of toxic waste.

These retailers, which represent 22 percent of the U.S. jewelry market and $14.5 billion in sales, are urging the mining industry to end practices that harm local communities, pollute drinking water, and generate millions of tons of toxic waste. The production of a single gold ring generates about 20 tons of mine waste, which can release acids and toxic pollutants.

Gold demand for jewelry represents the equivalent of 90 percent of gold mine production , making jewelry the single largest market for gold. Despite growing pressure from jewelers and consumers, the mining industry is dragging its feet on implementing the kinds of changes needed. Mining companies have yet to make measurable and verifiable progress towards applying the Golden Rules, which call for more responsible practices, including:

• respect for human rights and workers’ rights;
• free and informed consent from local communities before mining;
• staying out of protected natural areas;
• an end to dumping mine waste into rivers, streams and coastal waters;
• guaranteed payment for the costs of closing and cleaning up mines.

*EARTHWORKS and partners from around the world launched the “No Dirty Gold” campaign in 2004 to educate and motivate consumers and jewelry retailers to push the mining industry towards more responsible practices. Since then, over 60 jewelry companies have committed to switching to cleaner gold sources when available, and more than 100,000 consumers have joined the effort.

A bride must think of ways to cherish the dear friends who support her emotionally both before and on her big day. A delightful jewelry gift for the bridesmaids is the perfect choice when showing your gratefulness. For groomsmens, elegant and masculine key chains, steel pendants, necklaces, cufflinks and manly bracelets will express the gratitude for their loyalty.