#USA #New York #Pure Earth #Nathalie Kelley #Fairmined gold

Nathalie Kelley Unveils Sustainable Jewelry to Combat Gold Mining Pollution

Actress and activist Nathalie Kelley is making waves in the jewelry world with her latest initiative, combining artistry with environmental activism. Best known for her roles in Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and The Vampire Diaries, Kelley is focusing her talents on raising awareness about the dangerous practices in gold mining, particularly the use of mercury.

In anticipation of the 2025 Pure Gold Auction by the nonprofit organization Pure Earth, Kelley designed an exquisite piece to symbolize the importance of sustainable gold mining. This auction marks a pivotal moment as it features 100% ethically sourced Fairmined gold from AMATAF, a pioneering network of women-led artisanal miners in Madre de Dios, Peru. For years, Pure Earth has been collaborating with these miners to eliminate toxic mercury from their operations, creating safer and more sustainable mining practices.

A Personal Connection

Hailing from Quechua descent, Kelley’s commitment to environmental issues is deeply personal. She has emerged as a passionate advocate for the Amazon rainforest and its Indigenous communities reliant on natural resources. "As someone with Peruvian and Quechua roots, this work is close to my heart," Kelley expressed. Her involvement with Pure Earth illustrates her dedication to creating a change, leveraging her platform to amplify the pressing issues of mercury pollution in gold mining.

Joining Pure Earth’s Leadership Council in 2025, Kelley highlights the organization's mission: to provide feasible solutions and empower local leaders to combat pollution. Her jewelry design reflects this ethos — transitioning the conversation around gold mining from one of exploitation and devastation to one of empowerment and responsible practices.

The Jewelry Piece

The highlight of Kelley’s design is a striking necklace featuring a jaguar pendant skillfully crafted in mercury-free gold. This unique piece also showcases an Umba Sapphire and two yellow recycled sapphires. The colors of these stones are said to mirror the brilliant hues of the Amazonian sunrise, while the jaguar represents the harmony and resilience of nature.

Kelley collaborated with Peruvian jewelry designer Andrea José to ensure that the creation not only serves as an art piece but also as a narrative of hope. She believes jewelry possesses the power to tell stories, and this piece is no exception. "Jewelry tells a story, and I wanted this piece to tell one of hope," Kelley remarked, embodying the transformative message behind its creation.

The Global Impact of Mercury Pollution

Mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) represents a significant health hazard globally. The World Health Organization ranks mercury as one of the top ten chemicals causing major public health problems. ASGM is responsible for about 12 to 15% of worldwide gold production, and there are an estimated 10 to 15 million miners worldwide involved in this sector, including a notable number of women and children.

For over a decade, Pure Earth has focused on training miners in mercury-free methods and helping them establish sustainable practices. They have already made remarkable strides, reforesting over 10 hectares in the Amazon with thousands of native trees amid their efforts to restore ecosystems damaged by mining activities.

Pure Earth Jewelry Auction

Since its inception in 2016, the Pure Gold Jewelry Auction has showcased beautifully crafted jewelry pieces designed using responsibly sourced materials. The funds generated from this annual auction play a crucial role in supporting Pure Earth’s efforts to mitigate pollution, assisting communities engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining to adopt eco-friendly operations.

Yellow recycled diamonds and gemstones have been generously provided by Perpetuum Jewels, alongside the donation of AMATAF gold from Hoover and Strong. Esteemed jewelers including Andrea José, Brilliant Earth, and many others will participate in the upcoming auction.

Set to take place both online and in person at Pure Earth's Benefit at the Current in New York City on November 3rd, 2025, the event will feature special guests including Kelley and awardees like Atul Gawande, a noted public health leader recognized for his impactful contributions.

As Kelley puts it, “Gold doesn’t have to come at the expense of poisoned rivers and lost forests. By supporting miners leading the way with mercury-free practices, we can transform the industry.”

Kelley’s commitment, alongside organizations like Pure Earth, aims not only to protect the environment but to foster a more sustainable future for generations to come—one piece of jewelry at a time.