Brilliant Earth is proud to introduce the world's first source of independently certified fair trade gold from Oro Verde into our collection of ethical and eco-friendly jewelry. Dirty gold mining continues to destroy large expanses of the globe and to create unsafe and poorly paid working conditions for miners. Oro Verde gold comes from the Chocó region of Colombia, South America, where workers are paid fair wages, boosting the economy and widespread well-being of the impoverished region. The responsibly harvested gold is carefully mined on a small scale in order to protect the ecology, land and people of this bio-diverse region.

Unlike the large-scale mining operations that have devastated Chocó's ecology with harsh chemicals and deforestation in the past, our fair trade gold is harvested by small-scale artisanal miners that take care not to harm the region's delicate ecosystem. These conscientious miners practice the environmentally and socially responsible technique of analog forestry, which restores ecosystems, soil fertility and food productivity. In areas where the soil's fertility is severely compromised, they are judiciously introducing vegetable species that rehabilitate and restore nutrients to the soil.

In addition to guaranteeing fair wages to local workers who are paid a premium for fair trade gold, fair trade gold mining introduces much needed jobs and skilled employment training to the underdeveloped Chocó region. Local workers are also being trained in analog forestry techniques, which create even more jobs and ensures future agricultural productivity.

By restoring soil fertility and bio-diversity to the Chocó region, fair trade gold mining operations secure food sources and agricultural income for economically challenged Afro-Colombian communities. Additionally, since all development initiatives are undertaken with the involvement of local community councils, workers and their families are directly represented in the implementation of mining operations, ecological restoration and employment practices.

Brilliant Earth's fair trade gold jewelry is produced from the only independently certified gold currently available. It is certified by the independent Instituto de Investigaciones Ambientales del Pacífico (IIAP) to support environmental conservation and restoration and to provide sustainable livelihood alternatives to local communities in Chocó, Colombia. The gold is also in the process of being certified as part of a pilot program by Transfair, the largest body for US fair trade certification.

We invite you to view our elegant fair trade gold pendant, which may be worn with either of its two eye-catching sides facing forward. One side features a polished Colombian petroglyph design with surprisingly modern sensibilities, while the other has a minimalist rough-hewn hammered finish. Because fair trade gold is only being produced in small quantities, this beautiful pendant is only available in a limited release. The piece hangs from a polished gold link chain and comes with a Certificate of Origin that guarantees its ethical origin in accordance with fair trade and environmentally responsible principles.