Bob Donofrio founder and chief executive officer of Futura, created a place where his engineering background meets fine jewelry expertise. Donofrio is a former Bulgari executive, former chief executive officer of Roberto Cavalli, U.S., and has previously consulted for firms including Tiffany Co., Cartier, Marina B., Movado, Enigma Jewels and others in the jewelry industry through his consultancy firm RAD New York.
“Recycled gold is a nice thing but it doesn’t reduce mercury emissions,” said Donofrio, pointing out the variances between recycled and ecological gold, and the difference is mercury emissions during mining.
According to estimates by the United Nations, 15 million people employed in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector account for 37 percent of total mercury emissions. The Fairmined Organization accredits the gold used by Futura ensuring its traceability as gold that is both mercury and toxic chemical-free — referred to as “ecological gold,” what is considered Fairmined’s highest and most difficult standard to obtain.
Being created without mercury means a hefty premium but that price paid for traceability from early adopters is one that may very well invite a critical mass from other jewelry brands. As consumers are becoming “aware that there’s an option,” across a spectrum of purchase
“Recycled gold is a nice thing but it doesn’t reduce mercury emissions,” said Donofrio, pointing out the variances between recycled and ecological gold, and the difference is mercury emissions during mining.
According to estimates by the United Nations, 15 million people employed in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector account for 37 percent of total mercury emissions. The Fairmined Organization accredits the gold used by Futura ensuring its traceability as gold that is both mercury and toxic chemical-free — referred to as “ecological gold,” what is considered Fairmined’s highest and most difficult standard to obtain.
Being created without mercury means a hefty premium but that price paid for traceability from early adopters is one that may very well invite a critical mass from other jewelry brands. As consumers are becoming “aware that there’s an option,” across a spectrum of purchase