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
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
