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

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge

AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

myGemma showroom
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment Service

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

 Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's Day

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

Boucheron Power of Couture campaign
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond Collection

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Tacori Stilla ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says

Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.

Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New Collection

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to Nashville

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

Jade Trau Ladybird Charm
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ Charm

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

×

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