How to Become a Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold Partner: My Experience
Working with fair gold is something any jeweler can do—there’s no need for special certification or partnership to buy, craft, and sell fair gold or silver. However, if you, like me, want to become a licensed partner for Fairtrade and Fairmined, this guide will help you understand the process.
When I first started, I gradually incorporated more fair gold into my portfolio. A few months later, I became a Fairmined-licensed partner, and a year after that, I also obtained my Fairtrade partnership. At the time, I wished there had been a clear guide on what the process entails and what adjustments I needed to make. Now that I’ve been through it, I’d love to share my experience to make it easier for others.
Step 1: Getting Started with Fair Gold
The first step is easy. As mentioned, any jeweler can purchase fair gold. I ordered sheets and wire from Fairever, a supplier of ethical metals, and created my first pieces, which I marketed under the term “fair gold.” The Fairever team was my go-to contact for initial questions, while Fairtrade provided more specific guidance—for example, I wasn’t yet allowed to use the Fairtrade hallmark alongside my own.
Tip: From the beginning, I kept all my gold strictly separated, labeling each source properly. Since I work on a commission basis and don’t maintain a large stock, this wasn’t difficult for me.
Step 2: Becoming a Fairmined Partner
What is Fairmined?
Fairmined is a certification standard for responsibly mined gold from small-scale mining operations. It supports sustainable and fair supply chains and is managed by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).
How I Became a Fairmined Partner
• Getting in Touch: I reached out via the Fairmined website, which has a simple contact form for inquiries. Soon after, I was connected with a representative from Colombia, who guided me through the process and remains a valuable contact today. Fairmined provided detailed information about standards, requirements, and partnership models.
• Eligibility Check: Fairmined partnerships are open to businesses involved in the gold supply chain—such as jewelers, gold traders, refineries, or designers—who are committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
• Signing the Fairmined License Agreement: To market or sell Fairmined products as a licensed partner, I had to sign a license agreement outlining the proper use, labeling, and promotion of Fairmined gold. This agreement also includes license fees, which support Fairmined initiatives.
• Access to Resources: One of the most helpful aspects was gaining access to the Fairmined database, where I could find marketing materials, certification documents, and other resources.
• Compliance & Audits: As a Fairmined partner, I must ensure my supply chain and practices comply with Fairmined standards. This involves self-audits and reporting my annual gold and silver purchases through the Fairmined platform. Fortunately, the system is automated, so I just need to review and confirm the data.
• Using the Fairmined Brand: As an official partner, I can use the Fairmined logo in my branding, including on my website and jewelry hallmarks.
Step 3: Becoming a Fairtrade Partner
What is Fairtrade Gold?
Fairtrade Gold promotes a sustainable future for small-scale gold mining communities, ensuring fair wages and ethical practices. The Fairtrade partnership process is more detailed than Fairmined and involves additional certification and oversight.
How I Became a Fairtrade Partner
• Getting in Touch: The Fairtrade website provides an easy way to initiate contact. Within Fairtrade, different representatives handle gold-specific inquiries, platform support, and certification guidance.
• Eligibility Requirements: To become a Fairtrade partner, I had to commit to:
• Sourcing Fairtrade-certified gold from approved suppliers
• Maintaining transparent product labeling and traceability
• Certification via FLOCERT: Unlike Fairmined, Fairtrade certification is managed by FLOCERT, an independent certification body. I applied for certification through FLOCERT while also coordinating with Fairtrade for additional support.
License & Audit Fees:
• License fees: Based on the volume of Fairtrade gold sold, charged periodically
• Audit costs: Required for compliance checks; fees vary by business size and location. These are usually due before or during the audit process.
Fairtrade Audits:
• An initial audit is conducted after registration to assess compliance.
• Follow-up audits occur at scheduled intervals to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Record-Keeping & Reporting: I track all Fairtrade gold purchases, production, and sales, which are reviewed during audits. Additionally, I update Fairtrade gold quantities quarterly on the platform.
Benefits of the Partnership: Being a Fairtrade partner allows me to:
• Promote my business using the Fairtrade seal, which builds customer trust
• Support ethical and sustainable supply chains
• Directly impact mining communities by contributing to fair wages and development projects
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Fairmined and Fairtrade partner involved a lot of documentation, but I quickly realized that these processes are necessary to maintain high ethical standards. In many cases, a quick conversation with my contacts helped me navigate the requirements.
Now, everything runs smoothly, and I even receive reminder emails if I forget to update documentation. The best part? Everyone involved believes in the mission, making them motivated, supportive, and great to work with.
Personally, I love that many of my customers seek me out specifically because of my commitment to fair gold. It’s proof that responsible sourcing matters—not just ethically, but also as a strong business foundation.
Weiterführende Firmen und Links:
Fairever, Leipzig: Verkaufen Gold und Silber von Fairtrade und Fairmined als Granalien oder als Halbzeuge www.fairever.gold
HCF Merkle, Hamburg: Trauringmanufaktur mit Ringen aus Fairtrade und Fairmined Gold www.hcf-merkle.de
Kalman Hafner, Pforzheim: Zertifizierte Gießerei für Fairtrade und Fairmined Gold und Silber www.kalmanhafner.com
Fairmined: www.fairmined.org
Fairtrade: www.fairtrade-deutschland.de
Flocert: www.flocert.net
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