Single Mine Origin Gold
Boodles is proud to have a unique partnership with Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold, the responsible sourcing standard formed by fellow family business Betts Group. This partnership enables us to know exactly which small selection of SMO approved mines our gold comes from. Every gold piece of jewellery can be traced back to its source, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain, as well as a positive impact on local communities and biodiversity in the surrounding areas. Since 2021, 100% of Boodles gold jewellery has been made using SMO Gold.
Our Commitment
At Boodles, we believe that when practiced responsibly, mining can be a powerful force for good. That’s why we choose SMO Gold - it allows us to ensure that communities can earn a living safely and sustainably, with long-term benefits, while offering complete traceability to our customers. We believe that if we are going to use gold, we should do so in the most ethical and transparent way possible.
“I can’t understand why everyone doesn’t get involved with SMO Gold - it just makes sense to source your gold from a mine you know is doing good and having a positive social impact on the local community. That’s what we’ve found so interesting and inspiring.”
Why SMO Gold?
By using SMO Gold, we take responsibility for sourcing in a way that is ethical, transparent and traceable. Less than 4% of the world’s gold is publicly traceable, while ours is 100% traceable - down to one known mine.
Supply Chain Standards and Principles
At Boodles, we recognise and support the positive economic and social impact that the responsible mining of gold, diamonds and gemstones can have on local communities. We are committed to supporting those who benefit most from these contributions and believe that mining, when practised responsibly, can be a powerful force for good.
However, we are aware of the risks related to conflict, corruption and human rights violations, and have an exclusion policy which is regularly updated on the basis of international convention and recommendations.
Our human rights, labour practices and sustainability principles are guided by the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Core Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the industry level, Boodles has been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) since 2019, and we commit to operate our business in accordance with the RJC Code of Practice.
As a sixth generation, family-owned business we pride ourselves on our close, long-standing and trusted relationships with a select group of partners. We expect them to adhere to the same ethical standards to which we aspire and which are spelt out in the Boodles Code of Conduct.
Fully Traceable
Since 2021, all Boodles gold has been sourced from a Single Mine Origin. Today, our gold comes exclusively from the Sabodala-Massawa mine in Senegal, operated by Endeavour Mining. Every customer receives a QR code linking to the mine their gold came from, including details of the sustainability projects in that region and the time period during which it was mined.
Single Mine Origin Gold: Sabodala-Massawa Mine, Senegal
Responsibility in Action
Although mining has not traditionally been considered sustainable, SMO is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out responsibly - creating lasting benefits for local communities both now and for generations to come. SMO mines undergo annual independent assessments to ensure they exceed sustainability benchmarks in key areas such as gender equality, community development, carbon emissions and biodiversity protection.
Commitment to Excellence
Gold from the Sabodala- Massawa is mined in line with the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs) - from smelting and refining through to delivery into our showroom. Every gram is documented, audited, and externally assured.
The Sabodala Mine Fact Sheet
Download the Sabodala Fact sheet
$2.2 million invested in community projects in 2023, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and adult literacy programmes.
Alternative livelihood projects - from carpentry and butchery training to soap-making, chicken farming, and market gardens - helping to secure the community’s future beyond the mine.
A 1,500-hectare no-go zone protecting the endangered West African chimpanzee.
Single Mine Origin Gold Jewellery
Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold, a traceable source of gold is now being used in Boodles collections. As a sixth-generation family jewellers, we have no plans to give up on gold, but we’re committed to doing all that we can to ensure the gold we sell is mined ethically, and can be fully traced.