London, England, (October 15, 2009) – Ingle & Rhode, the UK’s principal retailer of ethical jewellery produced using conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gold, wish to draw attention to the issue of the illicit gold industry, which has been further exacerbated in recent times through the surge in demand for gold.

Fortunately, nowadays many more consumers are aware of the ethical issues surrounding the diamond and precious stone industries, however, Ingle & Rhode are concerned that the large majority of consumers remain totally unaware of the horrific working conditions and unethical practices that are commonplace within the illegal gold mining industry in regions such as South Africa.

In a desperate attempt to feed their families, unemployed men work for local heavily-armed criminals in disused mines where they are often forced to live below ground for up to eight months at a time, in sweltering, choking conditions with no safety equipment and under the constant threat of the mine collapsing.

Much of this gold is then smuggled to Europe and can eventually end up on jewellers’ counters, with consumers blissfully unaware of the horrific and dangerous conditions endured by those that mine it, which is why Ingle & Rhode not only ensure the provenance of all the ethically mined gold they use, they wish to raise awareness so that consumers demand fair trade gold as well as ethical diamonds, in order to put an end to the illicit gold trade for good.

“Since the movie ‘Blood Diamond’ came out, a lot of consumers are aware of the ethical issues around conflict diamonds, and ask specifically for conflict free diamonds.” Stated Tim Ingle of Ingle & Rhode. “However, not that many people are aware that the ethical issues around gold can be just as serious, and we would like to raise awareness of this.”

Find out more about Ingle & Rhode and their range of ethical designer and bespoke jewellery at: www.ingleandrhode.co.uk or contact them on 0207 917 9515.