Many in the jewelry industry are now looking for assurance from their suppliers that gold and tungsten products are "conflict free." This is a result of a provision in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed in 2010, that requires SEC-listed companies to know the origin of the gold and tungsten they use and to publicly report if the minerals are not conflict free. The manufacturers that directly and indirectly supply SEC-listed companies can provide these assurances and information about origin only if they have taken measures to ensure responsible supply chains for gold and tungsten. This paper will address the Act, its impact on the jewelry industry, the basics of supply chain assurance for these minerals, and resources available to implement assurance systems.

Author: Suzan Flamm