Episode 26 - Fair Trade Gold with Greg Valerio

In this episode of the Liturgical Rebels podcast, Christine Sine interviews Greg Valerio, a pioneer in the fair trade jewelry movement. Valerio shares his unexpected journey into the world of fair trade gold, discussing the challenges and dangers he has faced while advocating for ethical practices in the jewelry industry. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of faith in driving social justice initiatives. The conversation also touches on the recognition Valerio has received for his work and the ongoing need for transparency and justice in the mining sector. In this conversation, Greg Valerio and Christine Sine explore the intersection of faith, wealth, and social enterprise, particularly through the lens of Peace Gold, a social enterprise aimed at transforming conflict gold into ethical jewelry. They discuss the challenges of wealth in relation to faith, the importance of community and artisan crafts, and the impact of faith-based initiatives. Additionally, they delve into Celtic spirituality and its relevance in today's world, emphasizing the need to find Christ in the margins and the significance of indigenous expressions of faith.

Takeaways

• Greg Valerio is recognized as a leading figure in fair trade jewelry.
• His journey into jewelry was accidental and driven by faith.
• Community voices are essential in the fair trade movement.
• Valerio faced significant challenges and dangers in his work.
• Recognition like the MBE highlights the importance of the movement.
• Economic justice is a biblical mandate.
• Artisanal miners are often exploited in the jewelry industry.
• The conversation highlights the intersection of faith and social justice. Wealth can be seductive and often distorts faith.
• Peace Gold aims to transform conflict gold into ethical jewelry.
• Artisan jewelry making can revive local communities.
• Finding Christ in the margins is essential for true faith.
• Social entrepreneurs create pathways for others to follow.
• Understanding the land is crucial to faith and belonging.

Rooted in Christian beliefs in justice and peace for the common good, Greg Valerio describes his approach to campaigning, business and life as “faith in action.” He remains at the forefront of the ethical jewellery movement, challenging industry norms, pushing for greater accountability and urging jewellers to see themselves as stewards of both art and ethics. With plans to build an international network of ethical jewellers adopting PeaceGold for use in their jewellery creation and tell “the best gold story in the world,” he’s only just getting started.

In November 2024, Valerio unveiled the PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House in
Bishop Auckland; a retail space, inviting customers to learn directly from Valerio
about PeaceGold’s mission and social impact, shop jewellery from a curated
selection of ethics-orientated jewellers, and learn the art of jewellery craftsmanship through in-house jewellery-making workshops with goldsmith Kate Seow. “PeaceGold is a community interest company on a mission to promote ethical jewellery practice and design, and to open up the genius and creativity of the jewellery trade to the wider public,” Valerio said on launch.

For more information on Greg and his adventures into fair trade gold check out Fair Trade God Uganda - An Answer to Prayer 

Greg Valerio can be found at:

• gregvalerio on Instagram, FB and LinkedIn
• peacegold.org
• peace-gold.com

Find out more about Christine Sine on
Walking In Wonder on Substack
and on her website