I want to tell my customers that my jewellery is ethical....I only make  small amounts but  I care about the world and its people and I hate the idea that I am adding to pollution and I want the people who mine my gold to be treated respectfully - why can't I use re-cycled gold?

Emily Nixon
Penzance, Cornwall
England

I am interested in sustainable mining.

Dream Mullick
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Looking forward to learning more.  Currently, I use predominantly recycled silver and gold in my work, and also look for found-objects (river stones, sea glass) to incorporate.  However, I also use mined stones and new metals, so am eager to find responsible suppliers.

Karen Goeller

I've always been looking for an organisation like this one. Great work! Hopefully it helps.

Karl Pfefferle
Munich, Germany

This program is going on at a great time when the rest of America seems to be "going green".

Calina Shevlin
Winterville, North Carolina

I think this is a great thing.

George Rousis
Kansas City, Missouri

Absolutely in agreement with the principles - just wish I could find an ethical source of tin.

Melanie Guy
Callington, Cornwall
England

I am very interested in using ethically mined and produced materials (mainly silver) for my small jewelry business.

Molly Coburn
Dublin, Ohio

It is apparent that global and environmental issues need to be acknowledged and acted on at this time.

Holly C. Akins
New Orleans, Louisiana

I am a small jeweler, using old jewelry and scraps that are either donated or found in thrift stores. I am glad that your organization exgists to heighten my awareness and the consumer's awareness. After reading some of your information I can better direct my efforts to nurture ethics in such an industry.

Tierra Blom
Eagleville, California

I have always been an advocate of treading lightly on the earth. I have the will, and I hope joining this group of activists will help me to find the way to do the right thing.

Victoria Woollen-Danner
Charleston, Illinois

Walk the talk... my designs are often inspired by flora, thus I want to do my part to preserve that which I am passionate about... future generations are counting on us to make sure there is a future for the human race on planet Earth.

Jenn Dewey
Telluride, Colorado

Please list suppliers of ethically mined metals- copper/copper alloys.

Jan Baum
Towson, Maryland

I am looking for a source of ethical copper for my mother's coppersmithing work. I hope that this organization is successful in helping craftspersons in realizing the goals of environmentally and socially beneficial activity.

Jesse Cohen
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland
Canada

It's great to find a group who is organized around the idea of sustainable practices for jewelers and metalsmiths.

Trish Ramsay
Columbus, Georgia

Thank you for creating this community! I have a very small artisan jewelry business that I run out of my home. I am deeply committed to using materials that have been sourced in an ethical, fair and sustainable way. I predominately use silver and semi-precious stones in my work. I will keep on asking and demanding until I get what I need!

Stephanie Wolf
San Francisco, California

In my studio, environmental impact is reduced in a variety of ways. Responsibly sourced metals are only one aspect; by working at home I have no daily transportation needs, I limit electricity usage by working primarily during the day and not using an air conditioner, little heat, etc. My tradeshow booth is made from primarily recycled elements, and my packaging is recycled and/or reusable. It is important to view one’s life and career with a wide angle, instead of focusing exclusively on one aspect. However, for an organization or movement to be successful, it is a good idea to focus on one thing and collaborate with other groups that are complementary.

Lena Echelle
Dallas, Texas

I like making nice things, and don't want to feel bad about where my materials come from. I strive to use as much recycled and repurposed product as I can in my goods. Thanks for all your good suggestions! Please keep it up!

Amanda Thon
Melbourne, Florida

As a student studying silversmithing and jewellery I'm keen to participate in continuing ethical metalsmithing approaches. I also think ignorance is no excuse, which is why I will be informing my classmates in this topic and hopefully we can see an end to unethical working practices in Metalsmithing.

Pauline Edie
Glasgow, Scotland

Thank you for your efforts to help push for the much needed changes in our industry.

Sharon Logsdon
Castle Rock, Colorado

Thanks!

Tamara McFarland
Loleta, California

Thank you for committing your time and energy to this worthy cause. I am a professional metalsmith who struggles with these moral issues daily. I believe together we can clean up the industry and continue our passions with a clear conscience.

Chrissy Cook
Morgantown, West Virginia

I am glad that the true costs of precious metal mining are being realized by the individual artists who use some of the material. The truth of modern industrialized mining methods is both frightening and discouraging. They are responsible for tremendous environmental degradation and the corporate culture wielding them seems to hold no issue above profit. Awareness of the problem is the first step. Action is the next. Where I live, in the western part of the U.S., there are abundant examples of the destruction of the landscape by huge open pit copper mines and a long legacy of abandoned silver and gold mines that are responsible for poisoning many headwater streams. In the U.S., one of the key issues is the long overdue reform required on the mining law of 1872. Before any real effective changes can be made to the way mining is done on our public lands, this law must be changed to make mining corporations accountable for their environmental impact on public lands, establish a realistic lease fee schedule, pay realistic royalties on materials extracted, and assure that there will a reasonable restoration of the land when the mining activity ceases. Changes can be made if we demand them. Tell everyone you know about this. Most importantly, contact your elected representative and tell them how you feel about it.

Tom Ferguson
Mesa, Arizona

As a relatively newcomer metalsmith I am deeply concerned about the materials I am using. I have signed up to the no dirty gold campaign and I try to source my materials from reputable sellers. I am delighted to join your campaign and look forward to being an active participant.

Lesley Jones
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
England

I own a small sustainable jewellery design and manufacturing business in Adelaide, Australia. It has taken many years of research to fully understand the impact traditional jewellery making is having on our planet and find ways to avoid it.

I have found moving to sustainable practices to be very uplifting, It is great to know my work has not caused a child brain damage through mined silver refining practices. My current ranges use over 99% recycled materials,(soon to be 100%) and are 100% recyclable, I don’t use any animal products and much of my waste now feeds my garden.

Reaching sustainability is an ongoing process and in many cases a more expensive one, but it is possible and it does help. I have found if you market your products correctly, a higher market price can be achieved which helps to offset the additional costs. My jewellery now sells here in Australia, the USA and Japan. The Eco movement is in full swing, jump on its a great ride!

I am happy to share many of my techniques and encourage constructive criticism. Please see my web site for more sustainable jewellery information.

Ben Manning
Utopian Creations
Adelaide, Australia

Thank you for bringing this to public attention. Keep up the good work!!

Alison Layton
Roxbury MA

I'm a Designer Maker in silver and gold in the UK. I'm looking for an ethical silver supplier. I've currently been making handmade bespoke silver jewellery for 3 years now and have become increasingly aware and concerned of the terrible impact that the precious metal and gemstone jewellery industry has on human ecology and the natural environment. I'm extremely excited and passionate about my work, human rights and the natural environment. To combine all these aspects and make a difference is my goal.

Julia Thompson
Langport, Somerset
England

I am a a traditionally trained jewellery Designer and when I relaised that my practice did not fit my lifestyle that is entrenched in permaculture around three years ago I began doing research on how to modify my practices sos that I could be a sustainable jewellery designer. I simply began making jewellery out of anything that was destined to landfill. I use cold joining techniques such as riveting to avoid using gas and acids during the soldering process. I have however used a minimal amount of silver refined from scrap for riveting, and when I have resorted to soldering on rare occasions, I have used vinegar as a pickle. I am very excited at the prospect of perhaps using responsibly sourced metals.

Kim Thomson
Willunga, South Australia
Australia

As a high school student looking to pursue a career in the jewelry field, I was shocked at just how quiet this issue is. I came across this site purely by chance (I was looking up an artist who happened to have a piece in the Golden Opportunity gallery on this site) and am glad I did. It's kind of scary to know just how easy it is to remain ignorant of these types of things. I can only hope that soon, the voices will be heard and changes will be made. I ended up writing a paper on this for my English class and my teacher was just as shocked as I was that she had never heard of it.

Tina W
Stamford, Connecticut

I am so glad to see this movement gaining ground! I am very interested in responsible sources for both the metals AND the stones I use.

Frances Killam
Chelmsford, Massachusetts

I am a jewellery/metalwork student from Dundee, Scotland (UK), I am studying for my dissertation which is researching how to become more ecological as a practicing jeweller. This website is a fantastic help, however I am curious to know whether the issue of being ecological in the workshop has ever been addressed by anyone? For example your tool stocklists, disposal of acid and other toxins, water/gas/electricity usage and of course sourcing of materials such as silver, copper and gems? Please get in touch if you have an opinion about this or have any helpful information. (These are very important issues that we plan to address.)

Fiona Coull
Dundee, Angus
Scotland

Recycle, reuse, seek out sustainable and ethical sources for materials. Be innovative...

Kirsten Muenster
San Francisco, California

very interested in responsibly mined metals for my jewelry biz

Amy Ambroult
Holbrook, Massachusetts

The path to sustainability is a journey with many paths, not an end destination. There is always room for improvement and for taking our commitments to a deeper level. It is time for unified action, and your efforts are clearly a step in the right direction.

I applaud your inclusive, broad-based approach and sincerely hope that development of a third-party certification system will foster the growth of responsible operations at all levels of the supply chain for our diverse jewelry industry.

I think it is important to remember the human impact across our supply chains, as well as the environmental implications. In addition to environmental protections, I hope this new framework will adequately address fair labor standards and healthy working conditions for the millions of workers around the world who extract, process, and manufacture the materials we in the jewelry industry use on a daily basis.

Your leadership in this effort is a critical link in the chain that can help us progress to a win-win-win relationship between suppliers, jewelry designers, and our customers. The beautiful piece of jewelry that results is an expression of the physical and emotional connections between them. We will all benefit from taking the time to "polish" these links, ensuring the sustainability of our industry for generations to come. Thank you for your dedication and positive actions to fulfill this important mission!

Meredith Restein
Eastville, Virginia

Thank you for creating this resource and forum. The environments, social and political impacts of the the mining and other jewelry related industries are of great importance. It is very difficult to find information on ethicly responsible resources in these industries and I applaud you for going to great lengths to do so.

Margarette Simmons
New York, New York

I am happy to find a growing global community who can help to solve these fundamental issues. If we can't responsibly produce jewellery, then we live a lie. It is up to us to make these steps, however small, however great, to ensure that our work is ethical.

Vaune Mason
Wellington, New Zealand

I, too, am a concerned jeweler, who would like to have sources for my materials that respect the planet and everyone that lives on it.

Melissa Senstrom
Ames, Iowa

When I started my business I focused on natural stones but now I want to make sure I am using the most responible suppliers for silver and gold.

Nicole Blanchard
Plymouth, Massachusetts

I'm excited to find this resource for sustainable jewelry making.

Yasi Ayat
Sebastopol, California

Myself and my partner would like to add to the comments and whole heartedly agree. We work in gold and silver, and hate the fact that it is unethical. We are very interested in using totally 'clean' produce, and being in contact with anyone who might be able to help us. I hope many more join with this and that one day everyone uses ethical metals and gems.

Simon Switzer + Georgie Evans
Wadebridge, Cornwall
England

Please enter your comments. We will add you to our community voices page: I own a jewelry and gift retail store and I am inspired by the voices of people here who try to influence the mining industry in a positive way. My store features mostly silver jewelry and I am continuously asking my suppliers about the sources of their silver in order to add to the pressure for ethically obtained silver. I encourage anyone else who is buying silver to do the same.

Jason Robinson
The Crown Jewel
Ashland, Oregon

I have been a goldsmith for 35 years. Until about 7 or 8 years ago I hadn't given the consequences of gold mining much thought. Now it is the only way I practice my trade. I have not bought new fine gold for over 5 years. It isn't hard to find sources if you live near an urban area. My website is soon to undergo a complete change, in an attempt to educate the consummer regarding "dirty gold" and "blood diamonds." I am going to try my best to convince people to change their buying habits and ask jewellers some tough questions about the sources of their raw materials.

David James Dickson
Langley, British Columbia
Canada

Responsible mining is critical in building a sustainable future for metalsmiths and their craft.

Cedar Sky
St. Stephen, New Brunswick
Canada

I am currently using only gold from old jewelry, but am looking for a source of "clean" gold, if that exists. I make it a practice to spread the word to clients and colleagues about the atrocious current gold mining methods.

Patrice Cake
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

The time for change has come and its up to us to set changes in motion.

Jasmine McAleavey
Dundalk, County Louth
Ireland

I am looking for sources for recycled gold and silver, as well as refineries and casters that use the least amount of chemicals and pollutants.

Heather Lilleston
Brooklyn, New York

If each of us do our part, we can all make a big difference in the industry, from conflict diamonds and fair trade gems to clean and ethical mining practices.

Alexandra Hart
San Diego, California

I am currently in my third year of a jewellery course and am surprised at how uninformed I was about were the metals that I used came from. I feel that this needs to change and become an important issue brought to use in the classroom.

Natalie Hayes
Wrexham, Wales
England

Excellent website. I look forward to staying informed.

Tamra Gentry
Chicago, Illinois

Precious metals, minerals and gems enrich our lives, enrich our sense of beauty. All are FREELY GIVEN from the earth, all are ours for the taking. These metals allow goldsmiths to express their passion and combine it with their expertise and personal skills into beautiful enchanting jewelry. Let us please become aware of the long term mining risks in all aspects. Current techniques bear great risks for communities and the earth itself. PLease, please support sustainable mining, support ethical goldsmiths and jewelers. Please be aware the earth has given so much already freely and continues to do so...let us be thankful and give back to thank this wonderful planet by supporting all sustainable initiatives.

Lisa
Almere, The Netherlands

I am a student studying jewellery, writting my dissertation on Responsible Jewellery. I am very interested in the subject and wish to receive as much information as possible. Thankyou.

Laura Louise Kennedy
Sheffield, England

I am interested in recieveing more info and connecting with other conscious artists.

Marla Trudine
Redondo Beach, California

I absolutely refuse to buy new gold.

Mike Jewett
Jacksonville, Florida

I want to purchase some gold for investment purposes, but do not want any part of destroying the earth's or people's or animals' or birds' or whatever's lives in the process.

Mary McMahon
St. Louis, Missouri

I'm glad that this issue now has a voice.

Patricia Tschetter
Dallas, Texas

I own a shop & gallery of fine handcraft, including metalsmith jewelry, by independent artisans from around the North America. Greenjeans was founded on the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and conscientious living. As such, we are concerned about the consequences of mining practices and are interested in working with artisans to find more sustainably sourced materials for their extraordinary work.

Amy Shaw
Greenjeans
Brooklyn, New York

Thanks for presenting this information.  I hope it makes it possible to find ethically sourced materials.

Louise Norrell
Athens, Georgia

I heard Christina and Susan speak at the recent ACJ conference 'Carry the Can' in London and was amazed at how little I knew about my industry and how much I took for granted. I was appalled by some of the statistics and now feel strongly that I need to keep informed and ultimately find out where my materials are coming from. Thank you - ethical metalsmiths - for taking on this mammoth issue and making this information available to all of us. 

Janice Derrick
Port of Spain, Trinidad

The Ethical Metalsmiths website is great! Thanks for the work you put into it! I almost didn't find the Gallery, but am so glad I did. Lots of excellent pieces and important statements being made!

Nikki S.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It is very gratifyng to know that within the jewelry industry their are persons who care about how their materials are produced.  Thanks!!!

Emil F. Kadhum
Watkinsville, Georgia

I am very happy that this group exists, as a metalsmith I am very concerned about mining practices and my role in using these materials. I hope that by bringing together groups of like minded people that we can bring about change in the mining industry and help and support artists who choose to work with ethical materials.

Carolyn Scandiffio
Toronto, Canada

Because it is important to me to feel good about my work, I have been struggling with my decision to make jewelry as a living. I'm glad this website is providing a forum for discussing the issues. Let's share our ideas/opinions!

Catherine Nolet
Brooklyn, New York

Please ensure that all gold mined is done so with minimum environmental impact. No cyanide pools to be continually purified for perpetuity. No Mercury to endanger health of people now and in the future.

Martha W Bushnell
Boulder, Colorado

Quite simply - No more dirty gold.

Stuart Scott
Tarbert near Glasgow, Scotland

Human rights are important everywhere and so is producing with care for the environment.

Neil Cooper
Rockaway, New Jersey

please keep me updated about what i can do to support the sales of recycled materials as well as the development of legislation.

Hannah Sullivan
Indialantic, Florida

I am so glad to have found a group of fellow goldsmiths who are concerned about the negative effects of mining on the environment and on the people who work and live in areas where mining takes place. I believe change has to start with each of us and grow as we come together. I have a lot to learn and am glad that I have found a place to start.

Sara Scheufele
Springfield, Massachusetts

I'm interested in sources for responsibly mined metal - primarily silver, but also copper and gold. Thanks!

Leah Hitchcock
Berkeley, California

It is so wonderful to stumble upon this great website, as ethical material sourcing can feel like a dead end at times. Any information leading to clean materials would be greatly appreciated, and will be shared within my jewellery community in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Jacqui Kerr
Vancouver, Canada

Thank you for creating this group to work on a problem that has been bothering me for years!

M'lou Brubaker
Goodland, Minnesota

Being an "Ethical Metalsmith" should be our first priority. We must be concious of our use of chemicals, the sources of our materials, and the environmental damage to which we all contribute. This site is a great first step.

Elizabeth Wells Oppenheim
Oakland, California

If there were a source to buy small quantities of socially and environmentally responsible gold ("green" gold) I would buy from that source. Please keep me informed.

Nan Lewis
Wyckoff, New Jersey

I linked up to your site via the New York Times article about "Dirty Gold." Hooray for you! I work primarily with sterling and fine silver. How can I learn more about mining of these metals and the impact on communities, environment etc? Can you direct me? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!

Patricia Street
Salt Lake City, Utah

Just found your website after a reference to it in a New York Times article today (4/6). I work primarily in silver and am wondering if there is any comparable info about eco-friendly & ethic-friendly silver mining practices? Thanks!

David Hunter
Brooklyn, NY

I suspected this was a problem for years but after reading the article I was sick to my stomach. I'm glad that a group has formed to rally around this issue. I wish to do my part.

Patricia Tschetter
Dallas, Texas

I am very interested in learning how to successfully utilize ethical and responsible materials into my work as a goldsmith. I have found a great deal of information offering reasons why goldsmiths should do this, but it has proved considerably more difficult to find concrete suggestions for actions that one should take. I am meeting with the Chief advisor to the UN's Global Mercury Project with the hope that I will learn about further opportunities for goldsmiths to participate in this movement. I also look forward to learning from Ethical Metalsmith.

K Hume
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

I cannot tell you how much I have wrestled with these issues myself. I am currently in a transition period trying to find alternative ways in which I can use my skills as a metalsmith without my work having such a negative impact on the environment and those people who live near heavily mined areas. I was appauled when I first discovered how the industry actually works. When I was in school I felt responsible just by being an artist...it was quite disheartening to find that many artist materials have a very harmful impact on the environment. Thank you for putting together such a website...I know that just to put this small amount of information together was quite difficult as well as liberating. I will be sending this website to every jewelry artisan I know. I would also like to recieve any information and news that you recieve.

Iyabo Shabazz
Atlanta, Georgia

I’d like to receive (email) updates and information from Ethical Metalsmiths. Thanks for exposing the shortcomings of this industry and inspiring others (using myself as an example) to take a stand…

maja
Carmel, California

I am a Senior in jewelry design at Moore College of Art and Design. I heard Christina Miller speak about ethical metalsmiths and I am very interested in getting more information, particularly on where the best places to source our metals would be.

Rachel Vittorelli
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The web that connects us to one another and our environment must be observed, respected and preserved. When possible please choose sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethically responsible products.

Dawn Russell
Hoboken, New Jersey

it would be nice to be able to purchase guilt free material... i do not use precious stones or gold in my work due to the wars, pollution, and hate they fuel... but i do use silver and other metals in my work which i would prefer not to come with environmental consequences... if environmentally friendly metal was available i would by it.

Christine Bossler
Detroit, Michigan

I am looking for more ethically mined, and recycled metals for my jewelry making. And I will definitely be using them as soon as they are available to me!

Kelsey Gerhard
Dallas, Texas

I just visited your amazing website, which is right up the alley of the discussions we were having in my casting class at Penland this past summer.  I am conflicted in my love of working with gold, and the haunting feeling of knowing that I would probably disapprove of where it comes from. Your website is the first source that I have found that helps with pertinent information.  I will visit often because I want to find out when you have been able to identify a source for purchasing gold that is not "dirty," even if it costs significantly more.  I would love to tell clients more about where the material comes from, and imagine they would be very responsive if its gathered in a manner that doesn’t cause damage. Thank you for the work you are doing.