|
Fair Trade Gems Protocol*
The Fair Trade Gems Protocol (FTGP) is one of many growing Fair Trade
Organizations around the world. FTGP is a healthy alternative to large-scale
manufacturing and sweatshop conditions in the precious Gemstone Industry.
FTGP's mission: protect the enrolment, worker's rights, product integrity,
cultural diversify and provide education to the consumer and transparency
in the supply chain. Unprotected workers earn below minimum wage and
most of the profits flow to foreign investors and local elites who have
little interest in ensuring the long term health of the communities
in which they work. Fair Trade organizations work primarily with small
businesses, worker owned and democratically run cooperatives and associations
which bring significant benefits to workers and their communities.
Environmental Protection
Conventional mining for precious gemstones requires large machinery
to mine for earth's precious gems, destroying the environment. Fair
Trade Gems Protocol protects the environment during mining, cutting,
and jewelry manufacturing. Gems are mined with hand-held tools, baskets
and shovels, minimizing permanent impact on the surrounding environment.
Columbia Gem House follows FTGP guidelines, working closely with mine
workers that live near the gem deposits, safeguarding the natural setting
of mines, leaving most vegetation untouched, reducing the impact on
wildlife habitat. Streams, marine life and groundwater are protected.
After mining is complete, CGH guarantees restoration of mine sites to
as much of it's original condition as possible. Former sapphire mines
in Australia became beautiful lush pastures.
Protecting Worker's Rights
Columbia Gem House (CGH) offers a fair deal for its employees that work
in their mines around the world, their cutting factory in China , and
jewelry shops in the US , complying with laws that mandate no child
labor, minimum wages, and safe and comfortable working conditions. They
ensure equal opportunity for all. CGH offers fair wages above the minimum
wage, bonus and promotion opportunities, and health insurance. CGH has
satisfied, skillful employees and turnover is very low.
Protecting Product Integrity
Fair trade gems mandate a strict chain of custody of every gem produced.
Each gemstone is documented in the gemstone supply chain. The products
are examined at every step, ensuring quality and integrity of every
gem sold, mined, cut and whether it was enhanced in any way, guaranteeing
no synthetics or stimulants were mixed in with natural gems.
Appreciating Cultural Diversity
Fair Trade Gems protocol preserves the integrity of the link to the
place where the gem is found. As an international business, large parcels
are traded at every step of the distribution system and linkage to the
mine is usually lost in the shuffle. Diamonds, for example, are completely
anonymous. Because gem collectors prize certain origins, like Kashmir
for sapphires or Burma for rubies, laboratories offer origin reports:
skilled gemologists examine microscopic clues to trace a gem's country
of birth. Sometimes no such clues exist. Preserving the link to the
producing country is important. The association between a beautiful
gem adds glamour and appeal to a country's image. Supporting the country's
culture, in a world of increasing global sameness, may become a valuable
marketable asset for its people.
Transparency in the Supply Chain
To confirm all the gems sold and handled in accordance with Fair Trade
Gems protocols, CGH maintains complete chain of custody documentation
for every gem. All international transactions - transfers of goods and
monies - are handled in a transparent manner and conducted in accordance
with all local laws. CGH requests all shipments into the United States
include official invoices, indicating real, accurate values. This prevents
any possibility of money laundering. The U.S. Patriot Act now requires
extensive documentation of import and export of gemstones.
Educating Consumers
CGH produces 15 different educational brochures about individual gemstone
varieties, how they were cut and mined so consumers understand the gem's
quality and value factors, where gems are from and how they were handled
in the supply pipeline. Consumer education creates appreciation for
the rarity of the earth's naturally occurring treasure and the difficult
road it takes to reach you.
Your Dollars Speak
The Fair Trade Gems program is part of a larger movement among international
companies. Seeking out Fair Trade Gems ensures your purchases make life
better for the workers whose labor brings you those products. Fair Trade
is committed to fair wages, cooperative workplaces, consumer education,
environmental sustainability, respect for cultural identity, and public
accountability. Coffee is on of the most widely available Fair Trade
product, with over 100 roasters including Millstone Coffee, Starbucks,
Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds in Europe and many others, promoting ethical
practices toward employees and the environment. Small changes in your
shopping decisions make big difference in people's lives. For more information
on Fair Trade Gems, contact Henderson & Co. Jewelers in Mechanicsburg
, PA at 717-766-7771.
*article reprinted with permission
|
|
