Tabayer: Overseeing Gold Standards

In Fair Gold, a Colombian miner describes the precious metal as “the source of our very existence for generations.” The short movie, directed by Errol Rainey and commissioned by award-winning jewelry brand Tabayer, depicts the connection between the mining communities and the nature that births gold. It highlights a spiritual bond and a deep respect for the environment.

In fall 2023, Tabayer founder Nigora Tokhtabayeva and her team visited the Chede mine and community in the Cauca region, where the jeweler sources its gold. The trip confirmed the company’s decision to use Fairmined gold for its creations. Now Tabayer has joined the initiative, promoting ethical gold sourcing as an ambassador.

Fairmined is a certification for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), ensuring that gold sourcing adheres to strict social and environmental standards. Certified mines that meet the Fairmined standards receive a fair price for their production, benefiting the workers and communities at large.

Here, Tokhtabayeva discusses the importance of sharing the gold origin story with her clients, the impact of the Fairmined ambassadorship, and the latest series of her signature Oera line.

What do your clients ask about the gold you use in your jewelry?

Our clients often ask about the origin of our gold — where it is mined, how it is processed, and whether our sourcing is in line with sustainable and ethical practices. They are particularly interested in understanding the steps we take to ensure the integrity of our materials, from the mine to the final piece. This transparency is central to our philosophy and what we aim to deliver.

Do they engage with the sourcing story?

Tabayer clients are highly conscious and place great value on ethical sourcing. They don’t just want to own a beautiful piece; they want to be confident that it aligns with their values. They appreciate that each piece of Tabayer jewelry is more than an aesthetic object. It carries a narrative of responsibility and sustainability rooted in protection.

How do you share your ethical-sourcing story?

As an official ambassador of the Fairmined Gold organization, we prioritize transparency in sharing our ethical-sourcing practices. By choosing Fairmined, Tabayer ensures its gold is responsibly sourced, traceable, and extracted with minimal environmental impact. This certification also supports small-scale mining communities, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of both people and the planet. We integrate these stories across our digital and physical platforms, allowing clients to follow our journey from raw material to finished pieces.

How is the Fairmined ambassadorship going to impact the conversation with your clients?

The ambassadorship allows us to deepen our engagement and reach an even wider audience that cares about both design and ethics. It serves as a platform to spotlight our commitment to responsible practices and brings our message to the forefront. By collaborating with like-minded voices, we amplify the values that define Tabayer and resonate with our clientele.

Which challenges do you still face when implementing a transparent sourcing chain?

Creating a fully transparent sourcing chain is complex. Despite our best efforts, the global nature of supply chains presents logistical and regulatory challenges. Ensuring that every step — especially in regions with less oversight — is thoroughly vetted requires constant vigilance. We are continuously working to refine and elevate our sourcing standards to meet the expectations of our clients and our own vision for Tabayer.

How does the latest series of your Oera line express your style and views on traceability?

The latest collection embodies my belief that true luxury is rooted in integrity. Each piece is designed to celebrate purity, not just in form, but in its creation. By sourcing gold from responsibly managed mines and utilizing traceable gemstones, the collection represents our dedication to both beauty and transparency. It’s a statement that elegance and ethics are not only compatible but complementary.

Main Image: Oera choker in 18-karat Fairmined yellow gold set with red jasper, Madera citrine, brown diamonds and sapphires. (Tabayer) 

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