The Money Stone: gold mining in Ghana

Earth Day is nearing – but the decisions you and your fiance make during your wedding planning will resonate long after April 22 passes. Like the ring on your finger, for example.

Filmmaker Stuart Harmon has come out with a feature-length documentary on gold miners in Ghana, or "galamseys." The Money Stone exposes the dangers of a trade plagued by poor governmental regulation, lack of technology and safety standards, and environmental destruction. It is estimated that nearly one-quarter of the world's gold comes from small-scale mines like those in Ghana.

The film is now in post-production – visit their site to watch the trailer, see pictures and read more. As visual artists, we appreciate the compelling imagery of The Money Stone. As socially conscious business people – we're not perfect, but we're getting better – we appreciate Harmon's efforts to put the gold mining industry under the microscope.

Consider buying your wedding rings and other wedding gems from a jewelry company that uses conflict-free materials. The Responsible Jewellry Council offers a list of member companies on its site. Some New England conflict-free retailers include Brown Goldsmiths in Freeport, Maine and Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington.