Liturgical Rebels - Fair Trade Gold With Greg Valerio
Episode 26
Liturgical Rebels Episode 26 is live!.
In this fascinating episode of the Liturgical Rebels podcast, I interview Greg Valerio MBE, a pioneer in the fair trade jewelry movement. Greg an Award winning ethical jeweller and social entrepreneur, has been called a real maverick, non conformist, a rebel visionary and disruptor of the peace due his unfaltering commitment to human rights, ecological justice and fair-trade practices in marginalised communities. For me Greg is just a good friend and follower of the rebel Jesus and his beliefs in justice & peace for the common good.
What does Fair Trade Gold have to do with the beginning of Lent you may wonder? As I reflected on this I realized how appropriate it is to speak about an element that is part of the dust of the earth and yet has led to so much greed, conflict and heartache. Today, Fairtrade Gold sits atop Cathedral spires and hangs on the necks of award winners. As Greg Valerio says in reference to a prayer offered by a one of the miners a Oro Verdes: “In every way this simple prayer of redemption has called out the goodness, the greatness and the darkness that is present in us all and in the human structures we naively place our fragile faith in. “In the gold trade as in so many other areas, there is need for redemption and reconciliation which is at the very heart of the message of Lent.
In this episode, Greg 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 I 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. We discuss the challenges of wealth in relation to faith, the importance of community and artisan crafts, and the impact of faith-based initiatives. Additionally, we 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 insights into Greg’s 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