We share a lot of pretty things here on our blog, like most working in the wedding industry. The wedding industry is big business and with that there can come a price, a price that we may not always consider. When we are investing so much money into certain aspects of our wedding day it can be worth taking a minute to open our eyes (and hearts) to the reality behind the items we purchase. Most of us are aware of issues that have arisen from diamond trade but have we ever considered the cost of gold?

In 2013 our friend and jewellery designer April Doubleday visited one of the few fairtrade/eco gold mines in Colombia. She took her son Jon and filmed their adventure, producing this 9 minute long film.

Where do your wedding rings come from?

Everyone should watch this short film before before buying your wedding rings. Let’s be open and honest about where these precious and symbolic love tokens come from. That means considering who mined the gold, how it was removed from the land, and the state the environment is left in.

In your next tea break we’d love you to watch April’s film and gaining an insight into the lives of those who mine the gold for our jewellery.

“Fairtrade and its standards offer miners a better choice and a way out of poverty” – April Doubleday.

What is the real cost of your wedding rings?

I’m sure the majority of people planning a wedding buy wedding rings, many of them gold and if not other precious metals. Walking into any shopping mall we’re presented by multiple jewellers all offering a seeming abundance of wedding rings, many at cheap/affordable prices.

Sometimes it’s hard to confront the question of what is the real cost of these pieces of jewellery. The truth can seem too much, and it’s easier to bury our heads in the sand.

In the case of gold (and other precious metals) it’s about the cost to the workers who mine the gold and to their families. It’s about the environment in which they work and live. And finally it’s about the cost to the earth on which we all live, and to future generations.

Make a difference by choosing fairtrade gold wedding rings

Yes it can feeling overwhelming to look at the bigger picture. We can wonder how our choices can really make a difference, but there comes a time when we have to start making that leap. We have to ask ourselves what is means to use and the legacy we leave behind us, no matter how small or great.

There are incredible businesses out there striving to make a difference. Choose those businesses for your wedding day. Choose a jeweller who makes fairtrade gold wedding rings, and know the difference you are making. It’s about provenance and love and care in all aspects of the way we do business.

Fall in love with a few beautiful things, crafted with care and spend your money on them.

In 2016 April’s film was shortlisted for the Global Sustainability Film Awards. April and her son Jon went onto win ‘Free@Last TV Special Mention Award’ for their film. A huge congratulations to them both and for getting this message out to people.

You will find April Doubleday and other eco/ethical jewellers creating unique fairtrade gold wedding rings in our directory under Wedding Rings.

Images: April Doubleday