Policies & Issues

Fairmined Ecological Gold from Mongolia, Colombia Available

Policies & IssuesApr 22, 2016

Fairmined Ecological Gold from Mongolia, Colombia Available

The Alliance for Responsible Mining announced the availability of the gold mined without the use of any toxic chemicals from six mining organizations in the two countries. 

20160422_Fairmined-Gold.jpg
Fairmined Ecological Gold, mined without using any toxic chemicals, now is available from the Mongolian organization Xamodx and five mining organizations in la Llanada, Colombia.

Envigado, Colombia--The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) has announced the availability of Fairmined Ecological Gold from the Mongolian organization Xamodx and five mining organizations in la Llanada, Colombia.

According to ARM, Fairmined Ecological Gold is produced under the same strict standard for responsible mining as regular Fairmined Gold in terms of social, organizational and economic criteria, but without using any toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in the gold processing.

Argen Jewelry Division has been authorized to supply Fairmined Gold in the United States, working with Fairmined licensee Toby Pomeroy and Liberty Refiners to bring a stock of Fairmined Ecological Gold to North America, with support from ARM and the SAM Project.

The mining organizations offering this Fairmined Ecological Gold currently are the only artisanal mining organizations in the world with a third-party certified chemical-free gold production, the alliance said.

Xamodx was the first Asian organization to ever obtain Fairmined certification, due in large part to the Sustainable Artisanal Mining Project, which has been a key partner in establishing supply chains from Mongolia.

And, after the success of the mines in la Llanada, five more organizations now are working with ARM towards Fairmined Ecological Certification.

“The miners who produce Fairmined Ecological Gold take pride that they do not use toxic chemicals and are an example of how gold mining can be practiced in a way that takes measures to minimize the environmental impact,” said Kenneth Porter, head of ARM’s Fairmined Business Development. “Jewelers have been specifically requesting gold that is extracted without any use of mercury or cyanide. Now they can support these miners by sourcing Fairmined Ecological Gold and add value to their jewelry by using the Fairmined Ecological Gold label.”

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

SSEF logo
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education Scholarships

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

Alfredo Colmenero-Martinez and Jarren Frazier
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash Robbery

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

Police car with lights on
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

Ring Concierge x 818 Tequila Bridal Giveaway
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on Giveaway

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Poppy lampshade drawing
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The Met

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Spinelli Kilcollin Inara Ring
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ Collection

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

×

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