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Wedding Rings
UK News

Christian couples urged to buy Fairtrade gold wedding rings

It is launching a campaign next spring called 'I Do", with the target of selling 100,000 wedding bands to 50,000 couples.

The action should generate around $1 million (more than £600,000) in Fairtrade premiums for small-scale mining communities.

The organisation is calling on churches and couples to support the idea as part of their commitment to social and environmental justice.

Small-scale miners are often exploited by middlemen, working in remote, marginalised conditions and rarely receiving a fair price for their gold, according to Fairtrade.

It says the initiative will offer couples transparency and traceability, as well a meaningful piece of jewellery for their marriage.

Reverend James Sharp from Bournemouth said: "As a Church of England priest, I am delighted to support the Fairtrade Foundation's 'I Do' campaign.

"Fairtrade has its roots in the Christian concept of trade justice and it is great news that people can now buy wedding rings that represent and reflect the values of equality fairness and directly help to alleviate poverty."

Greg Valerio, Fairtrade International gold and precious metals programme co-ordinator said: "The Church's role is as significant today as it ever was as we continue to fight to bring the benefits to those who need it the most and to expand Fairtrade into new areas such as the luxury jewellery market.

"Christian organisations, in partnership with development agencies, helped Fairtrade's journey from marginal to mainstream.

"Small-scale mining is the second biggest global employer, and many of those mines force their workers to labour long hours in dirty and dangerous conditions for a pittance, whilst we enjoy the high value ,glittering jewellery made using their gold."

Approximately 150 retailers, jewellers, designers and goldsmiths have already signed up to support the campaign.

Find more details at fairgold.org and @Fairtrade_Gold

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