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The world's first Fairtrade and Fairmined platinum is here

13th December 2012 Print
Fairtrade Seascape Ring

The Fairtrade Foundation and the Alliance for Responsible Mining are proud to announce the launch of the world's first ever Fairtrade and Fairmined certified platinum jewellery made by pioneering platinum jeweller Cox & Power.

A by-product of the Fairtrade and Fairmined gold mining process, the sediment is carefully panned using traditional artisanal techniques by 112 disadvantaged indigenous mining families from Oro Verde Corporation, Colombia. The miners earn an additional Fairtrade and Fairmined Ecological Premium from their socially and environmentally responsible methods to support their families and to drive social progress.

'What exciting news for brides who want to add more glitz and sparkle to their wedding day' says Victoria Waugh, Business Development Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation. 'This move provides an economic lifeline to Colombian miners and gives them a brighter future. Because only small amounts will be available, it makes the jewellery pieces made from Fairtrade platinum extra special.'

Cox & Power have produced the first collection of Fairtrade and Fairmined platinum jewellery which they will unveil at their London store, 35c Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QA ready for Christmas.

Known for their fresh, ever-evolving and wearable designs, Cox & Power have created a beautiful set of earrings and a matching ring. The Seascape ring in Fairtrade and Fairmined Ecological platinum with ethically sourced Tanzanian spinels and fancy coloured diamonds will be paired with Seascape earrings in Fairtrade and Fairmined Ecological platinum with ethically sourced Tanzanian spinels and fancy coloured diamonds.

'We have created a rare and timeless jewel with this very special platinum and the woman who wears it will be part of a unique and special story.' Cox & Power plan additional pieces to arrive for Valentine's Day. 'These first unique pieces of platinum jewellery have made a transparent journey from their origins to boutique, from the miner to maker, to ensure a better deal and conditions for miners and to preserve the environment.'

The platinum forms part of a 1kg batch sold through Fairtrade licensee Vipa Design Ltd and more jewellers are expected to closely follow suit by launching their own Fairtrade and Fairmined platinum jewellery pieces.

The internationally recognised Fairtrade and Fairmined dual label ensures that platinum has been mined, processed and traded in a fair and responsible manner. This means that the miners' organisations are empowered by gaining bargaining power with traders, a fairer return for their platinum and greater control over the jewellery supply chain.

Through Fairtrade and Fairmined certification working conditions for miners are improved as they are trained to reduce risk in the workplace and to respond properly in emergency situations. Artisanal mining co-operatives are eliminating child labour within their communities, and promoting equal rights for women miners.

Oro Verde, situated in the Chocó bioregion in South America, is one of the most culturally rich and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. The Afro-Colombian communities that live there employ traditional mining techniques to process metals and do not use mercury or cyanide. Care is taken to restore vegetation after mining to encourage full recovery of the forest terrain.

Americo Mosquera, one of the miners from Oro Verde said: 'Looking into the future, I think this project can be one of the bases for the continuous development of our communities'.

Fairtrade and Fairmined gold was launched in 2011 and since then more than 50 designers and retailers offer jewellery crafted from Fairtrade and Fairmined yellow and white gold and now platinum.

For more information, visit fairtrade.org.uk.

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Fairtrade Seascape Ring