Black Opal

We’ve scoured the globe for suitable sources of these for a number of years and it’s with great pleasure that we can offer bespoke and ready-to-order designs featuring these special gems types.

White Opal

Our opals come from Lightning Ridge in Australia. Currently we have both a white and rare black  opal available. I’ve carefully selected the most beautiful examples of each for our inventory; the white is translucent and features green, blue and pink flecks. Opals display an unusual optical effect; the colour plays within the stone and flashes through the spectrum. For this reason, we’ve inclulded a photograph of both opals against a neutral background, shot in natural daylight (on a grey Scottish winter day. In fact for those of you in Scotland, the shots were taken 8th Dec 2011; the day ‘Hurricane Bawbag’ hit Scotland!)

These ‘naked’ shots let you see how spectacular the colours are, even in dull light. The colours in the opals look alive; as the light changes so to does the spectrum visible.

The black  opal is particulary special; these rare gems can sell for millions of dollars. Our beauty is a fine example of pattern and of bright splashes of colour across the stone. Opals are the birthstone for October and are for 14th and 18th Wedding anniversary jewellery.

Those of you who follow us on Twitter or Facebook may have seen our exciting partnership withy Jersey Pearl recently, for the Elephant Parade in Singapore. Fifi Bijoux was asked to design and paint a life size baby elephant , which will be on display in TANGS Plaza in Singapore until January 2012. The elephants are then auctioned by Sotheby’s, with a percentage of the sale price being donated to the Asian Elephant Foundation and other charities who carry out valuable work in the region to protect these majestic animals.

Jersey Pearl are the first Carbon-neutral pearl company and share our values of the significance of both bio-diversity and equitable trade for producers. Their pearl fisheries operate (in a ecologically senstive manner!) in the very areas where some of the Asian elephants are diminishing.  I used Jersey Pearls to decorate our elpehant (called Yunnan) and we hope those of you in Singapore enjoy the Parade!

Bespoke design are now available with Jersey Pearls, as well as fancy coloured mabe pearls from New Zealand which are available  in distinctive blue and green colours.

Pearl is  the birthstone for June and for anniversary jewellery in the 1st, 12th and 30th year of marriage.

PRESS RELEASE                                                               18th November 2011
For immediate release

Fifi Bijoux Becomes UK Authorised Reseller for Ethical Diamond Brand

Fifi Bijoux has been confirmed as the Official UK reseller for ethical diamond supplier Open Source Minerals.
Founded in 2008 by Diamond High Council Diamond Grader and Gemmologist, Mike Angenent, with head office in Maastricht, Open Source Minerals is the first diamondtaire to offer fully traceable diamonds; from 0.80mm melee through to stunning 10ct diamonds.
Open Source’s Diamonds are certified by the Jeweltree Foundation for social and environmental practices; from the mines right through to the polishing centers. As well as offering Canadian and Australian diamonds, Open Source Minerals also offers an inventory of ‘Fair Traded’ diamonds from the The Liqhobong Women Mining Cooperative in Lesotho. This was one of the first successful diamond mining cooperatives in Africa.

Mike Angenent explains:

Open Source Minerals started as a trading and sourcing platform for traceable and fair traded diamonds. There was a demand for traceable diamonds but very little companies who could supply, let alone guarantee the social and environmental practices associated with both the mining and the polishing.
With our focus on establishing a traceable supply chain we also acknowledged that guaranteeing and certifying the same was a different ball game and should be done independently.

That’s why we decided to help develop a certification scheme in cooperation with and under the flag of the Jeweltree Foundation, which I co-founded back in 2008.
There have been various NGO’s and companies such as International Peace Information Service, Capacity for Development and Top Consultancy involved in creating the audit requirements and standards. The whole scheme, which provides online track and trace for diamonds and jewellery, should be ISO proof within the next few years. Appointing a new chairman and stepping down from the board is the next step to the foundations independent certification.
Open Source’s main objective however is being able to source from mining cooperatives. In order to make this happen I want to focus more on sourcing for the next two years. Consequently this meant less focus on polished sales and possible logistic problems from my being remote. That is why we’re very happy with Fifi Bijoux as designated UK reseller for our products. Fifi Bijoux can place orders with the polishers and import directly so we are now not only able to continue our business but also to supply UK customers faster and with less overhead costs, making our diamonds competitively priced.
Fifi Bijoux launched in 2006 and since then has become a brand synonymous with best practice for sourcing fair, responsible and equitable precious minerals as well as for design flair.
Founder Vivien Johnston said
“Since setting up Fifi Bijoux I’ve been inundated with requests from other businesses for advice on sourcing ethical diamonds. A continued lack of transparency makes it difficult for jewellers to give consumers answers and reassurance on the provenance of their diamonds. I’ve been working with Open Source Minerals and The Jeweltree Foundation for some time now and the certification scheme processes and online tracking system has been very well received by our customers. Open Source also has a large and varied inventory, which means we can quickly access the diamonds available and price up jobs for bespoke orders.  Fifi Bijoux and Open Source have built up a good trading relationship over the past few years and I’ delighted to be able to offer other businesses traceable, transparent and ethical diamonds”

Open Source Minerals® is a registered trademark used under license from Open Source Minerals ltd.

ENDS

For Further Information
http://www.opensourceminerals.com/Home.html

contact Mike Angenent mike@opensourceminerals.com or +31 627513324
www.fifibijoux.com

contact Vivien Johnston vivien@fifibijoux.com or 07789 224705.

PRESS RELEASE                                                               16th November 2011

For immediate release

Vivien Johnston of Fifi Bijoux named one

of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs for 2011

Vivien Johnston founder and Managing Director of Fifi Bijoux is announced as one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs of the Year on Social Enterprise Day during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality.

It began as Enterprise Week in the UK back in 2004. When news of the phenomenal success of Enterprise Week in the UK spread the globe, lots of other countries got excited about the potential of running similar initiatives in their own countries. Since its inception, Global Entrepreneurship Week has spread to 115 countries, with nearly 24,000 organisations planning more than 37,000 activities.

The Future 100 Awards were first launched in 2008 to recognise and profile young entrepreneurs running businesses, which have a triple bottom line. The definition of a triple bottom line, is a business that addresses people, planet and profit. They have a strong commercial foundation as well as a significant social and environmental impact.

The Future 100 Awards recognises the success of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture.

Fifi Bijoux aims to spend time and care in securing suppliers who share their vision that human rights must be respected and upheld and that environmental impact should be minimised. This ethic is carried right through the supply chain to where it all begins, with the miners.

They  use only ethically mined and fairly traded precious metals and precious gemstones and operate a strict policy on this for all our suppliers of raw materials and sundries.

Every Fifi Bijoux product is designed in-house and creates key looks for each season. The jewellery is made in London.

Johnston said, “I’m thrilled to be named as a Future 100 Young Entrepreneur. I founded Fifi Bijoux in 2006 and since then, it’s grown in reputation as a brand synonymous with luxury and best practice for fair, responsible and equitable mining of precious natural resources. As a designer, I love to create exquisite pieces for my customers and want them to enjoy beautiful jewellery; assured that no abuses of human rights or unwarranted impact on the environment has occurred to produce it. The Future 100 Award means a lot to me. Particularly in the current difficult economic climate, I think it’s especially important to recognize businesses which maintain a strong sense of conscience as well as a commercial focus”.

Founder of Striding Out and organiser of the Future100 awards, Heather Wilkinson said: “The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns.

Challenging economic times can offer opportunities to question the way we operate as both a business community and a society. We have a history of  profiling the ‘Future 100′ young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improving commerce’s impact on the wider world.”

The Future 100 awards encourages and rewards extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. The Future 100 Awards is organized by Striding Out www.stridingout.co.uk, a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.

ENDS

For Further Information

An Awards Celebration is taking place on Social Enterprise Day – 17^th November during Global Entrepreneurship Week in London. Press are invited to attend to interview winners.  For further information, please contact Heather Wilkinson, Director of Striding Out on 07795 646 646 or email heather@stridingout.co.uk

Future 100 – www.future100.co.uk – A full list of award winners can be found on the website from the 17^th November 2011.
Striding Out -  www.stridingout.co.uk – Business support organisation providing professional training and coaching services.
Global Entrepreneurship Week –– http://www.gew.org.uk/home For information concerning global entrepreneurship week

Click here to read the Observer Article

As Lucy explains, mercury use in Artisanal Small Scale Mining (ASM) remains the most challenging aspect of creating truly multi-faceted  ’ethical’ gold. Fifi Bijoux uses gold and platinum from alluvial mines and silver from gravity method mines. In each of these, there is no requirement for mercury or cyanide; therefore these are the most ecologically low-impact methods of gold extraction.

However, for many miners these methods are not feasible. This may be because they are mining in hard rock areas, such as parts of Bolivia, where the gold is present in veins or not accessible in alluvial deposits (alluvial meaning the gold can be collected in rivers, using traditional panning techniques).

It may be feasible to introduce gravity methods, but this requires considerable  investment in equipment. The cost of gravity mining technology  can preclude many ASM gold producers from accessing these methods. ASM miners face numerous challenges depending on their situation; this can be from the legality of their mining where they have not secured (or are prevented through legislation) from acquiring the legitimate right to mine precious minerals. Once this has been overcome (through forming co-operatives or organising themselves into a legally viable operation, or through accessing support to acquire the necessary permits) then they face decisions about how they continue to mine. Fair Trade standards seek to alleviate poverty by guaranteeing a fair price for the miners and by increasing the route to market for a premium product. There are many benefits to artisanal miners in being Fair Trade certified; artisanal miners are otherwise often exploited through lack of access to information on accurate current gold prices or through limited routes to market.

Mercury is the most readily available ‘technology’ to ASM gold producers and whilst the price of mercury is rising significantly, still the most affordable for an individual or small group.

However, mercury is a serious pollutant which affects the local communities who farm, fish or access water in the region. In addition to the environmental implications of depositing mercury in the ground or in waterways, it carries a serious health issue; causing neurological damage and palsy. It is not in any one’s  interest to continue with mercury use in ASM in the long term. The Fair Trade standard (formed from Standard Zero by the Alliance of Responsible Mining) does account for mercury reduction and for methods to use closed-circuit processes which reduce the emissions. There are methods of mercury re-activation which can be introduced , which reduces the need to throw away used mercury and to buy more.  As technology improves, there will be even better methods and techniques available to ASM gold producers. In the meantime, the Fair Trade standard must fulfil it’s primary obligation; to achieve poverty reduction and financial improvements for miners and to observe profitable development as a route to addressing the value chain imbalance from producer to final product.

A major consideration for any ASM project is also the lifespan of the mine. This is an important factor when considering the feasibility of a project; for example it may not be viable to introduce gravity mining methods in an area which has very small resources and is calculated to expire within 5 years. There are a couple of examples we support where expiration of the mine is imminent,which hold  important economic and community developments . In Bahia, Brazil there is a project which has been running for several years which invests the profits of polishing rutile quartz mined in the village back into organic farming in the region (‘Mining For Food’ rutile quartz mining & polishing, Brian Cook). The mine is calculated to produce quartz which can be extracted by traditional hand-tools for around 5 or 10 years. There after, industrial methods would need to be introduced and this is not desired by this small rural community. The organic farms have led to the creation of a brand of vitality drinks by two sisters; ‘ Guarabee’ combining the organic fruits from the farms with organic rainforest honey and guarana.  (I can personally testify that this stuff does wonders! I was wide awake for hours and my jet-lag evaporated!).

 Click here to learn about Guarabee

Projects such as these really inspire me that mining – an extractive process and therefore finite- has a significant part to play in sustainable development, poverty alleviation and environmental excellence. It can be achieved without making negative impacts on the environment; however this is a far reaching principle for the mining sector and it will only happen in increments and only by the development of alternative, sustainable livelihoods on mining closures.

In the meantime, at Fifi Bijoux we  will continue to limit our fair trade precious metal sources only to those which do not use mercury or cyanide (at time of publication; Eco Andina , Argentina  and Oro verde, Colombia) whilst supporting initiatives which work to find alternatives to mercury in other regions. I personally wish for more ‘Guarana Girls’ energy,  imagination and vision for sustainable entrepreneurship to compliment mining for community development.

However as the price of gold continues to rise, ASM is set to grow as an attractive means of income, legal or illegal in places where it is a means of subsistence. The standards set under Fair Trade will assure that over the coming years at least a few mines in South America, Asia and Africa can achieve socially responsible conditions for miners and a fair price for their gold, with targets for mercury reduction in place. I hope to see technology speed up in tandem; offering an affordable, efficient means to extract gold without toxic chemicals to meet the needs of ASM miners across the globe. To me, true luxury is respect for the rare and precious minerals which we craft into jewels ; the value of which can never be taken for granted .

Vivien Johnston

Director & Founder, Fifi Bijoux.

Useful Links:

Very informative films by The Blacksmith Institute:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIbhwaw5PQg&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPGPbbHY03M&feature=related

The Artisanal Gold Council; Profitable Transition Away From Isolation and Mercury Use in ASM

Global Mercury Project

Alliance for Responsible Mining

Awesome!!

Don’t forget we are kitted out for Valentine’s day with a host of gift choices.

Here’s our top 5:

1. Ardent pendant, 9ct gold with white topaz[SinglePic not found]

2. Adore pendant (contact us for your nearest stockist).

3. Mile High collection in Ethical Silver 

4. Sex on the Beach in Ethical Silver

5. Angel pendant in Ethical gold with Aquamarine [SinglePic not found]

Or – if you’re ready to make it the best Valentine’s day ever, contact us to discuss Ethical Engagement rings, such as our ‘Arc’ ring from £1000, as featured in Marie Claire Feb 2010 issue.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER SHOP

Here’s how we can help

1.Fifi Bijoux Gift Vouchers. £10 to £100 vouchers available. Job’s a good ‘un.

2. Email our Christmas Elf to help you choose the most suitable gift. Tell us:

-If you’ve been naughty or nice.

-Who you’d like to choose a gift for, their age, your budget

and one of the following descriptions:

-Fashionista

-Understated Elegance

-Quirky

-Super-glam

We’ll email you back with our suggested pick-list from www.fifibijoux.com/shop

3. We hate dreary phone queues too, so leave your name and number on 0208 133 2531 and a Fifi Elf will call you back.

Simples!

Lots of Love

Fifi B xxx

This evening also saw a performance by another diva favourite of mine, none other than the lovely Annie Lennox.

I was lucky enough to meet Annie Lennox last year and she was utterly charming.

(We discussed the Fifi Bijoux ‘From Little Acorns’ project and the Shoe Box appeal launched in response to Marie Claire readers!). 

 Glad that her voice can still make me cry its so beautiful, and I know that she works hard to promote education for women and children with HIV in Africa.

As for my own ‘Forever’  fair trade diamonds, I’m delighted to introduce the result of the ultimate design challenge; my own ring! Sparkling round my little finger are:

 2 small Fair trade ethical diamonds mined in a women’s co-operative in Lesotho , cut and polished in a fair trade, co-operative workshop in Surat

1 Canadian ethical diamond in a Radiant square cut ( mined, cut and polished to highest assured and certified ethical standards)

2 little Scottish sapphires in Princess cuts, extremely rare indeed in a blue-green colour, cut and polished here in Scotland

Set in Fair Trade Platinum from Colombia and mounted on an 18ct Rose Fair trade Gold band,  from co-operative mine in Argentina.  All mined without mercury or cyanide, of course!

(I couldn’t leave anyone out! I work with such fabulous projects it was impossible not to have them almost all involved!).

Anyway, I’ve taken a snap for you! Here we are , ta- ra!  

More soon!

Fifi xxx

This week sees the convention of diamond officials who will discuss the continuing problem of Blood Diamonds.

As Mugabe’s diamonds remain on the global market, can anyone be sure that they aren’t currently buying a diamond from the high street which has been mined amidst the murder of some 200 civilians in Zimbabwe in the diamond fields?

The profits from these conflict diamonds are being used to finance political militia.

Sierra Leone has yet to make a full recovery from it’s bloody conflict, funded by diamonds, 1991-2002. Tens of thousands of civilians lost their lives and over 2 million people were displaced by the war.

As Christmas seems to quicken it’s pace towards us, the surge in engagement ring enquiries for Christmas delivery has got well under way. However, for those who aren’t ‘in the know’ about conflict diamonds, far less fair trade diamonds, they could well be unwittingly placing a Blood Diamond on their loved one’s finger.

Zimbabwe’s Rio Tinto mine alone produces approximately 260,000 carats per year and has plans to increase production up to sixfold.

This week saw the launch of the brand new Silver Collection for Fifi Bijoux. ‘Two Hearts Colliding’ takes a frivolous look at romance, with pieces such as ‘Sex on the Beach, and ‘Mile High’.

(‘Kiss me Quick’ pendant and earrings were snapped up by our stockists too. However, you’ll have to be patient as these are for Spring/Summer 2010 and won’t be in store for a few months yet!).

Just as well the collection was doing well, as I could barely keep my eyes open. A nasty dose of flu had me in a fever all weekend, trying to maintain my lip gloss and bronzer despite being told I was ‘grey’ and literally climbing into a cupboard to blow my nose (which kept bleeding in protest).  Now, I know you have a moral duty to stay at home under the duvet at such times, but I’d worked my trotters off to get ready for the show and I was not going to sit at home during the highlight of the fashion year.

Luckily, I had brilliant medical attention. The divine Jimmy Choo popped by for a chat and on hearing my phelm- induced Mariella Frostrup impression and my Scottish accent, offered his assistance. (Scottish people have excellent Chi he tells me and it’s one of his favourite places in the world).

His diagnosis- I was suffering from exhaustion due to not sleeping for exactly 2 1/2 weeks. (Spookily accurate..) and dehydration.

Jimmy then laid his hands on my head, peered into my eyes and told me he would rebalance my chi.

Jimmy Choo’s choice; the Limited Edition 18ct gold Bahia Ring with rutile quartz from mines which re-invest profits in organic farming and fairly traded diamonds, from a women’s co-operative in Lesotho.

The next 10 minutes were something of a blur- staring into Jimmy Choo’s blue eyes, his fingers moving in front of my forehead and him making prayers to call upon my yin and yang to restore their balance and my fever to leave me. My nose grew extraordinarily hot and my upper lip began to sweat. Then he gave me a wink and told me to get a good nights sleep and drink some sweet lemon tea.

Whether it was simply the kindess of such a brilliant man who exults craftmanship taking the time to show such human warmth and kindness which made me feel better, or whether Mr Choo is indeed blessed with healing hands I can’t say. Whichever it was, my temperature reduced and my snuffling abated a good deal after his visit.

Fashion week is remarkable; the most incredible friendships are formed in a spirit of camaraderie. The image of the fashion diva is farthest from the truth in my experience. Despite tabloids snatching on ’size zero’ debates and designers choices of larger models, or Anna Wintour’s reported displeasure at being kept waiting for shows to begin, from the inside London Fashion Week is a hotch potch of youth and experience, a trade of catwalk glamour and real life grit. Most of all, its an enormous credit to London and the British Fashion scene.

Next stop Paris.

Lots of  love,

Fifi xxx