Policies & Issues

‘Salmon Gold’ Surfaces Again, This Time at Mejuri

Policies & IssuesAug 08, 2024

‘Salmon Gold’ Surfaces Again, This Time at Mejuri

The jewelry retailer has partnered with Resolve, an organization that combines re-mining with fish habitat restoration.

Mejuri salmon gold hoop earrings
A pair of 14-karat gold hoops by Mejuri, available in four sizes and crafted with “Salmon Gold.” The retailer is partnering with Resolve, an organization that supports biodiversity and habitat rehabilitation of sites where mining once took place.
New York—Mejuri has released a collection of hoop earrings crafted from “Salmon Gold,” a metal that derives its name not from its color but from the potential it has to positively impact fish and other wildlife.

The direct-to-consumer jewelry brand has an ongoing partnership with Resolve, a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization (NGO).

Resolve’s “Regeneration” initiative works to mitigate the environmental damage caused by mining by supporting biodiversity and habitat rehabilitation of former mine sites.

It targets areas affected by tailings—residue from old placer gold mining sites—left in the streams or on the banks, which can prevent fish like salmon and grayling from migrating and spawning.

Salmon Gold is gold sourced from the mines associated with Regeneration, allowing each batch to be fully traceable from its origins.

The gold is extracted from the abandoned mine sites in North America and refined by Swiss company MKS PAMP, Mejuri said in its recent sustainability report.

MKS PAMP has a process that allows the gold to be individually batch refined to maintain traceability while ensuring its purity.

The gold is formed into small grains to prepare it for the casting process, said Mejuri, and the gold grain is then sent to its manufacturing partners in Thailand, where the jewelry is created.

“Salmon Gold was born from the idea that when a mine closes, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story,” Stephen D’Esposito, president and CEO at Regeneration and Resolve, said in a post on the company’s website.

“We shouldn’t let mine waste go to waste—we should treat it as an opportunity.”

During the gold rush of the late 1800s, the river valleys throughout Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory and British Columbia were filled with tens of thousands of prospectors, explained Regeneration.

They pumped soil from the creeks and riverbeds as they searched for gold, leaving rock and sediment waste, also known as tailings, in the stream beds and riverbanks, which disrupted the ecosystems as well as Indigenous ways of life.

The region is still home to gold mining operations, as well as salmon, grayling, and other fish that have had their migration patterns and spawning practices disturbed.

“I thought if you could get the gold out of the old piles of mining waste, you could use the money to restore the rivers, streams, and habitat, so that the salmon or grayling could swim up and spawn again,” said D’Esposito.

“It could be a win, win, win: Gold buyers could get more responsibly sourced gold; salmon habitat could be restored; and modern placer miners could feel better about their business.”

In addition to Mejuri, other well-known companies have signed onto Resolve’s Regeneration initiative.

In 2019, Tiffany & Co. added Salmon Gold into its larger supply of raw gold, though the company didn’t create a special collection or marketing campaign around its use.

Resolve, the NGO, works with the Tiffany & Co. Foundation on a restoration project in Sierra Leone.

Apple uses minerals from the Regeneration project to meet its sustainability goals, and Rio Tinto is a mining partner that provides access to sites, expertise, and other support.

Mejuri has invested $1.5 million in Regeneration. This funding has supported restoration and responsible mining projects at Uhler and Resurrection creeks in Alaska and Sulphur Creek in Yukon, Canada.

This resulted in 1,150 linear meters of stream restoration and enhancements and 20 acres of restored upland habitat.  At Resurrection Creek, the U.S. Forest Service restored 300 meters of stream, said Mejuri.

Multiple spawning fish species, including pink salmon, chinook, chum, and coho, made their way up these creeks where it was previously “very low quality” fish habitat. 


“I’ve worked on these Klondike creeks for 35 years digging for gold and it feels so good to be rebuilding them back to nature after so many years without proper habitat,” said Darwin Van Bibber, a heavy equipment operator and restoration specialist, quoted in Mejuri’s sustainability report.

“As a First Nation elder, I enjoy catching grayling and, one day, hunting moose along these newly restored habitats we are creating here.”

The Uhler, Resurrection and Sulphur creeks have additional restoration and rehabilitation planned for this year, said Mejuri, with additional legacy and abandoned mines joining as partners or coming online.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Mejuri said as the opportunity to use Salmon Gold increases, the proportion of recycled content in its jewelry may decrease over time

“Decreasing our use of recycled gold through the increase of Salmon Gold will enable us to achieve higher levels of traceability over time while also contributing to habitat restoration along the way, aiding in our 2030 traceability and climate-positive goals,” said Mejuri.

The company also noted that the term “recycled gold” currently lacks a clear definition and isn’t subject to the same due diligence by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as other materials.

“This ultimately slows down progress in achieving a better understanding of its composition, origins, and impact,” said Mejuri.

The Salmon Gold from Uhler Creek and Sulphur Creek is what Mejuri used to create the recent collection, announced in June.

The limited-edition collection features a textured, 14-karat yellow gold version of its “Bold” hoop, available in four sizes online and in its stores. The hoops range in price from $198 to $498.

The company said it’s the beginning of a series of annual capsule collections in 14-karat gold. 

“Mejuri is contributing to the development of initiatives that promote habitat restoration and have integrated gold extracted from the re-mining of mine tailings into our jewelry product bringing regeneration gold directly to our customers,” said the company.

“It’s more than just a material. It symbolizes how luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.”

The Latest

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Alex Brown
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Jade Ruzzo Gloria Collar
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.

Jewelry industry author, speaker, and sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s SVP of corporate affairs
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JA

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las Vegas

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

Greenwich Street Jewelers Your Love Has the Perfect Ring Campaign
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ Couples

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy