Policies & IssuesJul 23, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its 2024 Entrepreneurship Grant WinnersPolicies & IssuesAug 02, 2024
Single Mine Origin Gold Now Being Distributed in the US
Providence, Rhode Island-based C&J Fine Jewelry Makers will offer the traceable gold to companies in the U.S. and Canada.
A pair of earrings from L’Atelier Nawbar made with Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold
Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island manufacturer C&J Fine Jewelry Makers is now the exclusive distributor of Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold in the United States and Canada.
According to U.K.-based SMO, the gold from SMO member mines is the first transparent and traceable gold that has full chain of custody and is fully audited.
The gold offered by C&J Fine Jewelry Makers will be traceable to the Ity mine in Côte d’Ivoire, which SMO said has the longest history of any gold mine in the African country.
To receive accreditation from SMO, mines like Ity undergo a multi-level evaluation process during which the company applies environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria from international standards—like the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s standards or the International Council on Mining and Metals’ principles—combining objective factors and subjective judgment.
SMO is also developing its own standard, the SMO ESG benchmark, designed as a tool for comparing SMO mines with other gold mines, regionally and globally, to ensure accountability.
The Ity mine received the Ivorian Mining Excellence Award for its ESG initiatives in both 2021 and 2023.
All jewelry made with SMO gold comes with a QR code that shows its journey from mine to market.
The QR code also offers details on the gold’s origin and beneficial effects it has had as it made its way to the consumer.
“At C&J Fine Jewelry Makers, we manufacture for the most iconic houses of fine jewelry around the world, and we have seen a growing sense of intention with our clients, and their customers, to know where and how their raw materials are sourced,” said Jeffrey D’Angelo, president of C&J Fine Jewelry Makers.
“Single Mine Origin is a needed solution to a white space in the global supply chain of gold that is traceable, responsibly sourced, and independently audited. We are excited to partner with SMO to help drive positive change within the jewelry industry.”
SMO was founded in 2017 by Dan and Charlie Betts, brothers from Birmingham, England, in response to how little of the world’s gold was fully traceable, due to how it is mined, refined, and sold.
The pair is the ninth generation of the family in the gold smelting and refining business, dating back to 1760 when Alexander Betts founded what is now the Betts Group.
In 2012, Dan left the family business to concentrate on Hummingbird Resources, a gold exploration business set up with his father, Stephen Betts.
Five years later, Hummingbird Resources established SMO together with Betts Metals.
In 2024, Hummingbird Resources fully divested, and SMO is now solely owned by the Betts Group.
Related stories will be right here …
According to U.K.-based SMO, the gold from SMO member mines is the first transparent and traceable gold that has full chain of custody and is fully audited.
The gold offered by C&J Fine Jewelry Makers will be traceable to the Ity mine in Côte d’Ivoire, which SMO said has the longest history of any gold mine in the African country.
To receive accreditation from SMO, mines like Ity undergo a multi-level evaluation process during which the company applies environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria from international standards—like the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s standards or the International Council on Mining and Metals’ principles—combining objective factors and subjective judgment.
SMO is also developing its own standard, the SMO ESG benchmark, designed as a tool for comparing SMO mines with other gold mines, regionally and globally, to ensure accountability.
The Ity mine received the Ivorian Mining Excellence Award for its ESG initiatives in both 2021 and 2023.
All jewelry made with SMO gold comes with a QR code that shows its journey from mine to market.
The QR code also offers details on the gold’s origin and beneficial effects it has had as it made its way to the consumer.
“At C&J Fine Jewelry Makers, we manufacture for the most iconic houses of fine jewelry around the world, and we have seen a growing sense of intention with our clients, and their customers, to know where and how their raw materials are sourced,” said Jeffrey D’Angelo, president of C&J Fine Jewelry Makers.
“Single Mine Origin is a needed solution to a white space in the global supply chain of gold that is traceable, responsibly sourced, and independently audited. We are excited to partner with SMO to help drive positive change within the jewelry industry.”
SMO was founded in 2017 by Dan and Charlie Betts, brothers from Birmingham, England, in response to how little of the world’s gold was fully traceable, due to how it is mined, refined, and sold.
The pair is the ninth generation of the family in the gold smelting and refining business, dating back to 1760 when Alexander Betts founded what is now the Betts Group.
In 2012, Dan left the family business to concentrate on Hummingbird Resources, a gold exploration business set up with his father, Stephen Betts.
Five years later, Hummingbird Resources established SMO together with Betts Metals.
In 2024, Hummingbird Resources fully divested, and SMO is now solely owned by the Betts Group.
The U.S. ranks third in terms of global demand for gold jewelry, according to SMO, yet less than 4 percent of the world’s gold supply is traceable from mine to finished product, the company said.
C&J Fine Jewelry Makers Managing Director Anthony Maietta said the company has been working exclusively with recycled gold due to the demand for it.
In late 2023, one customer, jewelry brand Roséate, asked if C&J would make its jewelry using SMO gold.
That was Maietta’s introduction to the company.
After research, he decided SMO was a perfect partner for C&J for a few reasons—it’s responsibly sourced with consistent supply, it’s affordably priced, and perhaps most importantly, it can be scaled.
“Some of the responsible sources on the small-scale artisan mines, they’re doing amazing things [but] there’s also just not a lot of it to go around,” Maietta said.
He estimates that, on a daily basis, of the gold used for jewelry, electronics, and investment, about 30 percent comes from recycled sources and about 70 percent comes from newly mined sources.
Of that 70 percent, 10 percent comes from small-scale artisanal mines and 90 percent comes from large-scale mines.
Maietta added, “SMO is seeking to work with the best actors for large-scale mines. They’re working with that 90 percent.”
While customers of C&J have the choice of recycled or SMO gold from the Ity mine now, the plan is to get even more granular.
SMO has the ability to identify certain areas of the ESG spectrum where its member mines are performing particularly well.
This gives jewelers the choice of using gold from a mine whose operations resonate with its brand values.
While the C&J only has gold from the Ity mine now, its customers can request to work with a mine that, for example, is going to reach net zero emissions by the end of the year, or a mine with high female employment rates, or a mine with the highest water recycling rate of any gold mine in the world.
The topic of sustainability comes up in conversations across all sectors of the industry, including the ethical sourcing of gemstones.
SMO noted that several designers it spoke with have begun seeking alternatives to gold because of the effort they put into sourcing their gemstones in a responsible manner; they want to set it in a metal that’s sourced just as responsibly.
The same concept applies to the other hardware used to make jewelry.
To start, C&J Fine Jewelry Makers will only offer SMO gold in the form of 24-karat fine gold casting grain, so if, for example, a customer in the U.S. orders a necklace in SMO gold, the pendant would be but the chain and spring ring or lobster claw wouldn’t be.
Maietta said the next step is to onboard a chain manufacturer in the U.S. that is using SMO gold.
This lobbying of other manufacturers, and spreading awareness, is the kind of industry pressure that has worked in the European market, SMO said, and it wants to create that same influence in the U.S. market.
“Demand for SMO is growing rapidly, and we have seen brands drive this across Europe and Asia, primarily by requesting their manufacturers switch to SMO, which has been very reassuring,” SMO co-founder Charlie Betts said.
“I am, however, delighted to have partnered with C&J Fine Jewelry Makers who can not only influence some of the world’s most iconic brands but are willing to distribute to other manufacturers, in a bid to create large-scale, positive change across North America.”
C&J also has a locational advantage—Rhode Island has a rich history of jewelry manufacturing.
“As recently as the ‘70s and ‘80s, there were more jewelry manufacturing workshops per capita in Rhode Island than anywhere else in the world,” Maietta said.
While many of the original shops are gone, the infrastructure, including refineries and equipment, remains, leaving a whole ecosystem of support for expansion.
Maietta added, “We’re engaged in conversations with chain making manufacturers literally 10 minutes down the road, and they’re supplying to the world, basically.”
SMO gold has been used by designers such as Fernando Jorge, Stephen Webster, and Shaun Leane.
In the U.S., it made an appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, and at this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, where designer Emily P. Wheeler introduced her first all-SMO collection.
To learn more about SMO, visit the company’s website.
SMO noted that several designers it spoke with have begun seeking alternatives to gold because of the effort they put into sourcing their gemstones in a responsible manner; they want to set it in a metal that’s sourced just as responsibly.
The same concept applies to the other hardware used to make jewelry.
To start, C&J Fine Jewelry Makers will only offer SMO gold in the form of 24-karat fine gold casting grain, so if, for example, a customer in the U.S. orders a necklace in SMO gold, the pendant would be but the chain and spring ring or lobster claw wouldn’t be.
Maietta said the next step is to onboard a chain manufacturer in the U.S. that is using SMO gold.
This lobbying of other manufacturers, and spreading awareness, is the kind of industry pressure that has worked in the European market, SMO said, and it wants to create that same influence in the U.S. market.
“Demand for SMO is growing rapidly, and we have seen brands drive this across Europe and Asia, primarily by requesting their manufacturers switch to SMO, which has been very reassuring,” SMO co-founder Charlie Betts said.
“I am, however, delighted to have partnered with C&J Fine Jewelry Makers who can not only influence some of the world’s most iconic brands but are willing to distribute to other manufacturers, in a bid to create large-scale, positive change across North America.”
C&J also has a locational advantage—Rhode Island has a rich history of jewelry manufacturing.
“As recently as the ‘70s and ‘80s, there were more jewelry manufacturing workshops per capita in Rhode Island than anywhere else in the world,” Maietta said.
While many of the original shops are gone, the infrastructure, including refineries and equipment, remains, leaving a whole ecosystem of support for expansion.
Maietta added, “We’re engaged in conversations with chain making manufacturers literally 10 minutes down the road, and they’re supplying to the world, basically.”
SMO gold has been used by designers such as Fernando Jorge, Stephen Webster, and Shaun Leane.
In the U.S., it made an appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, and at this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, where designer Emily P. Wheeler introduced her first all-SMO collection.
To learn more about SMO, visit the company’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
