This Earth Month, we’re reflecting on ECJ’s switch to Fairmined gold. While this sounds like a single decision, in reality, it’s an ongoing process.
I jotted down some thoughts about my experience moving our work toward Fairmined. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and what no one really talks about when you commit to doing things differently.
The Decision Was the Easy Part
When we launched Operation Fairmined, we thought the hardest part would be making the decision. It wasn’t. The decision itself felt clear and aligned (and like something we should have done sooner!). What no one tells you is what comes after that moment.
The System Isn’t Ready for You
Once you decide, you don’t step into a system that’s ready for you; you step into one that isn’t. You begin asking for materials that don’t yet exist, pushing suppliers who aren’t fully there, and reworking processes that were built for a different standard. What starts as a values-based decision quickly becomes a daily operational one.
What Still Doesn’t Exist (Yet)
There are still things we cannot source in Fairmined. Fourteen karat white gold chain does not exist in Fairmined form, and earring posts and backs are not yet available. In an industry that relies on consistency and supply reliability, these are not minor gaps. They affect how pieces are made, how they are priced, and in some cases, whether they can exist at all.
This Isn’t a One-Time Choice
What also becomes clear is that this is not a one-time decision. It is something you revisit constantly. Do you wait until everything is available? Do you compromise in certain areas? Or do you move forward anyway, knowing it will not be perfect?
Why We Moved Forward Anyway
We chose to move forward. In 2025, we converted our entire collection of rings with center stones and most bands to be available exclusively in Fairmined gold. Not because the system was ready, but because we were. Since then, the reality has been a mix of progress, friction, small wins, and ongoing conversations.
We’ve been facing the challenges as they come, recognizing the extra layer of work required when you commit to transparency. Transparency is not just lip service. It means tons of documentation and tracking. There are also additional fees to cover all that labor.
What You See (and What You Don’t)
If you have worked with us recently, you may not even notice the difference. The jewelry looks the same, and the experience feels the same. Behind the scenes, however, nearly everything about how those pieces come to life has changed.
Where We’re Headed Next
Operation Fairmined is not complete, and we are not yet at one hundred percent. But we are also not waiting. We are continuing to build relationships, push for new materials, and expand what is possible — piece by piece, supplier by supplier.
Waiting for the industry to catch up has never been our approach. We would rather be part of what moves it forward.
Embracing Evolution as an Independent Jewelry Brand
Switching to Fairmined gold isn’t a finished project, but one that we continue to work on every day. It’s not perfect, but rather intentional. And for us, that matters.
