EditorsApr 01, 2022
What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Responsible’? Policies & IssuesApr 04, 2022
SCS Sustainable Standard Expands to Include Artisanal Gold Mines
The firm has partnered with the Alliance for Responsible Mining to bring “Certified Sustainability Rated Gold” to the market.
SCS Global Services and the Alliance for Responsible Mining have partnered to expand SCS’s sustainability certification to small-scale and artisanal gold mines. (Photo credit: Alliance for Responsible Mining)
Emeryville, Calif.—SCS Global Services and the Alliance for Responsible Mining have partnered to expand the SCS 007 Sustainability Rated Jewelry Standard to include gold from artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM).
The move aims to allow those participating in ARM’s Sustainable Mines Program to have their gold independently evaluated under the SCS-007 standard and marketed to consumers as “Certified Sustainability Rated Gold.”
To streamline the integration of ASM mines into SCS-007, the supply chain evaluations will use existing specialized ASM standards developed by ARM: the Fairmined Standard and CRAFT Code.
ASM organizations will also undergo life cycle assessment to confirm their gold mining operations are climate neutral and are working to reduce other impacts.
There will also be origin confirmation testing conducted by Source Certain International, a forensic testing lab for provenance analysis.
The SCS-007 certificate will contain details regarding CRAFT Code conformity verification and mines support by ARM.
Both the Alliance for Responsible Mining and Mercury Free Mining (MFM) will be involved in bringing ASM mines and stakeholders into the process.
Refiner and manufacturer Hoover & Strong and the Fair Trade Jewellery Company also have been working with SCS, bringing their experience as the first two companies in North America to market Fairtrade, Fairmined, and responsibly sourced gold from the Congo.
Related stories will be right here …
The move aims to allow those participating in ARM’s Sustainable Mines Program to have their gold independently evaluated under the SCS-007 standard and marketed to consumers as “Certified Sustainability Rated Gold.”
To streamline the integration of ASM mines into SCS-007, the supply chain evaluations will use existing specialized ASM standards developed by ARM: the Fairmined Standard and CRAFT Code.
ASM organizations will also undergo life cycle assessment to confirm their gold mining operations are climate neutral and are working to reduce other impacts.
There will also be origin confirmation testing conducted by Source Certain International, a forensic testing lab for provenance analysis.
The SCS-007 certificate will contain details regarding CRAFT Code conformity verification and mines support by ARM.
Both the Alliance for Responsible Mining and Mercury Free Mining (MFM) will be involved in bringing ASM mines and stakeholders into the process.
Refiner and manufacturer Hoover & Strong and the Fair Trade Jewellery Company also have been working with SCS, bringing their experience as the first two companies in North America to market Fairtrade, Fairmined, and responsibly sourced gold from the Congo.
Hoover & Strong will provide refining services to the gold mines involved.
Meanwhile, the first jewelers in the program will be members of the FairSources Group, a global network of cooperating independent jewelers founded by the Fair Trade Jewellery Company.
“This agreement represents another important advance for the jewelry industry, bringing state-of-the-art science to the verification of origin, sustainability, and climate claims for ASM-sourced gold,” said Gina D’Amato, Executive Director of ARM. “It is one more way that we can support the lives and livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale mining communities while simultaneously working to protect the environment and climate.”
SCS performs third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development.
Launched in 2021, the SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Jewelry Standard was the first comprehensive, multi-stakeholder sustainability standard developed for the gem-quality diamond sector.
It’s now being expanded to precious metals and gemstones.
Requirements for the standard address five aspects of sustainability: verified origin traceability, ethical stewardship, climate neutrality, sustainable production practices, and sustainability investments.
Part of each certification fee goes to supporting ASMs.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
