Policies & Issues

What Is ‘Salmon Gold,’ and Why Is Tiffany Using It?

Policies & IssuesAug 14, 2019

What Is ‘Salmon Gold,’ and Why Is Tiffany Using It?

The jeweler joins Apple in adopting a new initiative that combines re-mining with fish habitat restoration.

20190814_Salmon-Gold.jpg
Gold nuggets recovered from Jack Wade Creek, a tributary of the Fortymile River in Alaska, that will be used in sustainable “Salmon Gold”
Washington, D.C.—Tiffany & Co. is the first jeweler to start using gold sourced from an initiative that combines re-mining with fish habitat restoration.

Announced this week by non-governmental organization Resolve, the initiative is called “Salmon Gold” and is being adopted by another pretty well-known company—Apple. 

It is, the organization said, an innovative approach to mining gold that will also restore habitats in Alaska, Canada’s Yukon Territory and British Columbia, all regions with “globally significant” habitat for salmon and other anadromous fish species (those spend most of their lives in saltwater but return to freshwater to spawn).

The project 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. 

The re-mining of the tailings happens first, according to Resolve President Stephen D’Esposito, with restoration in mind as the trees, soil and rocks are kept nearby. 

Intensive restoration happens after re-mining is complete, including reclamation (stabilizing the stream with rocks) and restoration (improving the habitat by adding more pools to support spawning, making sure it has the right vegetation, and more).

D’Esposito said Resolve creates a restoration plan for each stream, or section of stream, noting that restoration can take more than one mining season to complete.

Salmon Gold’s first phase focused on part of Jack Wade Creek, a tributary of the Fortymile River in Alaska.

There, Resolve partnered with Dean Race and his two sons, Chris and Dakota, placer miners and restoration entrepreneurs, as well as government agencies to test restoration methods, process recovered gold and establish a chain of custody for the first batch of Salmon Gold going from mine to manufacturers. 

Gold from the project is now in Tiffany’s supply chain. A company spokesperson told National Jeweler the gold will enter the retailer’s larger supply of raw gold, though there is no specific collection or marketing push planned by them for Salmon Gold. 

Anisa Kamadoli Costa, chief sustainability officer at Tiffany, said in a press release: “At Tiffany & Co., we are committed to safeguarding critical ecosystems, including in majestic Alaska and its precious salmon habitats, a place that we have long advocated for. Salmon Gold proves that responsible mining practices and restoration of important ecosystems in Alaska, the Yukon, and British Columbia can go hand in hand.”

Tiffany has a long history protecting salmon and speaking out about environmental issues in general.


The retailer was among those that led the charge to get jewelers to vow to boycott gold from the never-developed Pebble mine in Alaska back in 2009. Its efforts included screening the documentary “Red Gold,” which detailed tensions between native fisherman in Bristol Bay and mine officials, for editors in New York City.

And in May 2017, the retailer took out an ad in The New York Times urging President Donald Trump to keep the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement, which he did not.

RELATED CONTENT: Tiffany Is Now Telling Consumers the Origin of Its Diamonds

With the success of the initial phase, Salmon Gold has expanded beyond the Fortymile River with new sites now at Sulphur Creek in the Yukon Territory and Gold Creek, north of Talkeetna, Alaska.

Resolve is considering more sites throughout Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia.

The NGO will continue to support stream restoration pilots—going from three to 15 sites over the next two years—and then scale up to target restoration at a “watershed level.” 

D’Esposito said that with 10 to 15 sites, the organization should be able to show that the model can scale and become self-sustaining. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

The Roaring Jewel Martini
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K Martini

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

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.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

Pomellato Marvelous Griffe earrings
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss Popsicle Pendant and Karina Choudhrie Ice Cream Charm
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

Macy’s Herald Square store sign
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

Hands pushing shopping cart
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in July

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

Paola De Luca Presents Trendvision Book
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education Lineup

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

Jewels by Grace Hillsborough Show
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026

The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão at the 2026 African Mining Indaba
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.

Kevin Reilly PGI USA
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry

Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.

Pomellato Mandala Chromia necklace
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%

Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.

United Flags of Fashion Arkansas Flag By Lauren Harwell Godfrey
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for Arkansas

She was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith 
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You

Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.

Tiffany & Co butterfly necklace
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

×

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