The movie Blood Diamond really brought the issues revolving around the diamond industry into focus. With this controversy brought to light and brands going green, now not only are diamonds becoming a hot topic, but gold is as well. In a new effort that includes brands like Tiffany & Co., Zales and 19 other jewelers in a campaign called “No Dirty Gold,” the big question for the jewelry consumer is becoming: “Is your jewelry politically correct?”
The mission behind the No Dirty Gold campaign is stop the jewelry industry from further enabling gold mining companies destructive ways by standing behind and signing a commitment to “The Golden Rules.” By establishing a set of rules that participating jewelers adhere to, the hope is that it will not only bring to the forefront the issues revolving around mining gold, but force the hand of gold mining companies into a better practice of mining, thus preserving the reputation of gold.
Some of the effects of mining gold involve massive pollution, developing large open pits in the earth and solid waste, endangering natural areas (both officially and unofficially protected), community health effects, worker dangers and human rights abuses. Prior to wearing any of my gold jewelry, I never considered where it came from and how it was mined, and honestly, who does?
In a world where everyone wants to be PC, the thought of also being PC with my jewelry sounded a little overboard. However, looking more into the issue, it does seem to make sense. According to the No Dirty Gold campaign, mining can produce 20 tons of waste per 18-karat gold ring. At time when everyone is more and more concerned about what we are doing in the environment and how it affects global warming, 20 tons of waste just from one ring alone is really astonishing. This really does prove the adage of being able to accomplish something one person at a time.
