Actress Nathalie Kelley's Unique Jewelry to Combat Mercury
Nathalie Kelley, the talented actress known for her captivating performances in films and series such as Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and The Vampire Diaries, has taken on a new role as an advocate for sustainable gold mining. In her latest initiative, she designed a stunning jewelry piece to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of mercury pollution in gold mining.
Empowering Sustainable Practices
Kelley's creation is connected to the Pure Gold Auction, an event aimed at highlighting the impact of mercury pollution, a critical issue in gold mining. The auction proudly features jewelry crafted from 100% ethically sourced Fairmined gold. This gold comes from AMATAF, a network of artisanal miners in Madre de Dios, Peru, who are committed to eliminating mercury from their mining processes. This milestone highlights the importance of ethical sourcing in the jewelry industry.
Nathalie's Heritage and Activism
Nathalie Kelley, who has Quechua ancestry, has dedicated herself to advocating for the preservation of the Peruvian Amazon and its indigenous communities. Her involvement with Pure Earth, a global non-profit organization that combats heavy metal pollution, marks a pivotal moment in her activism. Kelley joined Pure Earth's Leadership Council, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
"As someone deeply connected to my Peruvian roots, I am honored to use my platform in support of Pure Earth, which values local leadership and strives for real solutions to prevent mercury pollution," she expressed.
Collaboration with Peruvian Designers
To bring her vision to life, Kelley collaborated with renowned Peruvian jewelry designer Andrea José, who shares her commitment to ethical practices. Their partnership resulted in an exquisite necklace featuring a jaguar pendant, meticulously crafted from 18k mercury-free gold sourced from AMATAF miners trained by Pure Earth. Each element of the necklace is carefully selected, including an Umba Sapphire and recycled yellow sapphires, ensuring that the piece symbolizes a commitment to both beauty and sustainability.
Jewelry as a Medium for Change
In Kelley's words, jewelry serves as a powerful narrative tool. She desires her piece to convey a message of hope, demonstrating that gold can be sourced responsibly without contributing to environmental harm. "Through supporting miners dedicated to mercury-free practices, we can reshape the industry, creating jewelry that embodies our values," she added.
The issue of mercury pollution is of major concern. The World Health Organization recognizes mercury as one of the top ten chemicals posing significant health risks. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the primary contributor, accounting for approximately 12 to 15% of the world’s gold production. This sector directly impacts millions of miners, including a large number of women and children, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Pure Earth's Ongoing Work
Pure Earth has been at the forefront of efforts to transition miners to mercury-free techniques while promoting sustainable supply chains. Their long-term projects have successfully restored ecosystems, including reforestation efforts where they planted over 10,000 native trees across more than 10 hectares.
The upcoming auction promises to be a showcase of creativity and ethical responsibility. Since its inception in 2016, the Pure Earth Pure Gold Jewelry Auction has displayed exceptional pieces by passionate designers dedicated to responsibly sourced materials.
A Community Initiative
Through successful fundraising, Pure Earth supports pollution cleanup initiatives worldwide, especially working with artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities to adopt mercury-free methods and restore land devastated by mining operations.
The auction event, featuring Kelley's unique piece, will unfold both online and at the Current in New York City, an exciting venue scheduled for November 3rd. This event will honor Atul Gawande, a notable public health leader.
Pure Earth: A Legacy of Change
Pure Earth represents hope and progress, dedicated to addressing pollution issues in developing nations. For over 25 years, they have focused efforts on protecting community health from toxic chemicals, collaborating closely with various stakeholders to implement sustainable environmental solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Nathalie Kelley's new jewelry design?
Nathalie Kelley's jewelry design promotes sustainable and mercury-free gold mining practices.
Who collaborates with Kelley on her jewelry piece?
Kelley collaborates with Peruvian jewelry designer Andrea José, emphasizing ethical sourcing.
What organization is Kelley affiliated with for her advocacy?
Kelley is affiliated with Pure Earth, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating pollution.
What is the significance of the Pure Gold Auction?
The Pure Gold Auction raises awareness about mercury pollution and promotes ethically sourced gold.
How does Pure Earth support communities impacted by mining?
Pure Earth aids mining communities by facilitating the transition to mercury-free methods and promoting ecosystem restoration.
