Gold standard: Boodles commits to Single Mine Origin Gold

As today’s savvy, informed consumer becomes increasingly conscious about sourcing, production and the stories behind the products they buy, luxury brands are under increased pressure to practice good provenance — not least in the rarefied world of fine jewellery. Although the trend for responsibly sourced diamonds has been making headlines for some years now, precious metals are somewhat behind the curve.

“Consumer engagement with provenance and responsibility within the supply chain is driving rapid change in jewellery,” says Jody Wainwright, Director of Boodles. “There’s a collective conscience around ‘doing the right thing’, whether that’s in relation to eliminating human rights abuses or conflict, or simply ensuring that the wider communities involved benefit both socio-economically and environmentally.”

Wainwright has spent the past few years working on Boodles’ landmark “Single Mine Origin” (SMO) initiative. Launched in collaboration with precious metal specialist Betts Metals, Boodles has committed to using SMO-certified gold in all its jewellery, sourced exclusively from the Yanfolia gold mine in Mali. “SMO provides us with assurance over the chain of custody for the supply of its gold from a single, known mine,” he says. “It’s a fully auditable chain of custody, ensuring no aggregation of metal throughout the supply chain while adhering to the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles.”

The initiative guarantees complete control over the sourcing process. Every gram of gold mined will be closely documented as it makes its way from Africa to atelier, including the stages of mining, smelting, refining and delivery to Boodles workshops. What’s more, every purchase made from Boodles will contribute to the development of Mali’s mining community. Projects already in the works for 2021 include water supply upgrades and increased support across healthcare and education, as well as the planting of more than 8,000 trees.

Further mining partners are to be announced, with plans to include platinum group metals in the future. And where Boodles leads, others are sure to follow.