Voting Is Open for the Fairmined 100 Challenge’s Best Collection
The winners, picked by a group of judges and voted as the public’s favorite, will be announced in a webinar on Oct. 11.

The Alliance for Responsible Mining’s Fairmined initiative launched the project last year, inviting brands involved in the gold industry to “strengthen their commitment to sustainability” by using Fairmined metals.
Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from small-scale mining organizations that prioritize responsible practices.
To be Fairmined certified, ASM organizations must comply with environmental requirements that eliminate mercury and other chemicals from their mining operations or reduce its usage to a bare minimum that won’t lead to pollution of water sources.
Fairmined certification also allows the miners to give back to the communities through infrastructure, gender equity projects, healthcare, and child and youth programs, and a guaranteed minimum price for their gold, ARM said.
The goal of the challenge was 100 Fairmined collections by this Aug. 31, which was not only reached but surpassed—there are 127 collections from 97 brands.
For 47 of those brands, it was their first collection using Fairmined metals.
“This commemoration of creativity and commitment to supporting the positive transformation of the artisanal and small-scale mining communities brought together Fairmined licensed brands, authorized suppliers, certified mining organizations, retailers, promoters, and allies to achieve and exceed the initial goal to launch 100 collections,” said Laura Galvis, market development specialist at ARM.
The collections were presented together for the first time on Sept. 16 in a digital catalog.
An all-female panel of judges will select the best collections among seven categories: Solid Gold, Silver, Gold Plated, Diamonds, Colored Gemstones, Groundbreaking Innovation, and Sustainability Story.
Organizers have also added another category—the Public’s Favorite—and have opened the voting to everyone to pick theirs. Full collections information and voting can all be found online.
The judges’ selections and the winner of the public vote will be unveiled during a webinar hosted by ARM on Oct. 11.
The Latest

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.


The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.























