The Alchemy of Origin: Why I Choose SMO Gold
Beyond the "Recycled" label: Sourcing with architectural integrity.
In my workshop, the "topography" of a piece begins long before the gold is poured into the sand mould. It begins at the source.
As a goldsmith with a background in science analysis, I am naturally drawn to systems that offer clarity and verifiable data. While "Recycled Gold" has become the industry standard for ethical jewellery, I believe that for a truly "landmark" commission, we must go further.
Here is why I have chosen to work exclusively with Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold.
The Problem with the "Recycled" Myth
The term "recycled" sounds inherently positive.
However, in the gold industry, it can often be a "black box." Once gold from various sources is melted together, its history is erased. Recycled gold could be post-consumer jewellery, recovered from computer components, etc, but it could possibly be "dirty gold" from unregulated mines that has been laundered into the supply chain.
For my work—which centers on the sentimental history of landscape—using gold with a "lost" history felt like a missing link. I wanted to know the exact place on the globe where your gold began its journey.
What is SMO Gold?
SMO Gold provides a 100% traceable, audited chain of custody from a single, responsibly managed mine.
Every gram of SMO gold I use can be traced back to its origin through a unique batch number and QR code.
The criteria for an SMO mine are rigorous:
Independent Auditing: Mines must adhere to the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles.
Environmental Custodianship: This includes strict water management and soil restoration protocols.
Social Investment: Ensuring that the local community benefits directly through healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
A Landmark Source: The Bellevue Mine
In early 2026, the Bellevue Mine in Western Australia became a pioneer as the world’s first net-zero emission gold mine. By utilising onsite renewable energy and high-quality carbon offsets, it proves that the extraction of precious materials can coexist with the preservation of the planet.
When I cast a ring using SMO gold, I am using a material that reflects the same precision and environmental discipline that I apply to my own design process.
Traceability as Ritual
When you receive an Iain Sainsbury Bespoke Jewellery piece, you aren't just getting a piece of wearable art; you are getting a document of provenance. Along with your jewellery, you receive the specific batch number for the gold used.
By entering this into the SMO database, you can see the specific social and environmental initiatives your piece has supported—whether that is a literacy programme in West Africa or a biodiversity project in Australia. It turns the "materials" of your jewellery into a living part of its story.
Integrity in Every Grain
Choosing SMO Gold is about more than "being green." It is about integrity. As a maker, I want to ensure that every grain of gold I pour into my sand moulds is as untarnished as the memories we are casting. By choosing SMO, I am choosing a material that respects the landscape it came from as much as you respect the memory it represents.