Birmingham-based precious metals expert, The Betts Group, is recognised throughout the trade for its reliable services, spanning bullion, investment products, refining, and a diverse range of jewellery-making tools and technologies.
In recent years, the business has focused on responsibly sourced precious metals that meet and exceed international standards for transparency, traceability, and environmental protection, thereby giving consumers peace of mind when making a purchase.
For our Sustainability Special, The Betts Group explains why responsibility is key for it, as the group stocks one of the most diverse ranges of gold in the UK, including Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold, Fairtrade and Fairmined.
Rather than dictate what manufacturers, brands and designer-makers should use, The Betts Group empowers all businesses to make the choice that’s right for them, offering the advantages and limitations of each source for total clarity.
“We believe that understanding the social and environmental impact of gold matters,” explains The Betts Group managing director, Charlie Betts (above).
“That’s why we encourage jewellers and investors to engage with the provenance of their metal. Responsibly sourced precious metals are accessible to businesses of all sizes, so now is the time to get informed and make thoughtful decisions.”
The Jewellery Quarter-based supplier has been steadily strengthening its position over the last 12 months, including making a significant investment in German company, Fairever, which has specialised in sourcing and supplying Fairtrade Gold, Fairmined Gold and Fairmined Silver since 2015.
Also, as the exclusive supplier of Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold in the UK, The Betts Group can now offer independents access to metal from the Bellevue Mine in Western Australia, which is recognised as the world’s first net-zero emission gold mine.
The first to receive a batch was award-winning independent Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery in Bristol, with many more, like The Responsible Casting Company, demonstrating their support and offering casting services in this metal to the trade.
“Over 95% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with gold come from the mining process, which makes setting new standards for renewable energy essential,” explains Betts.
“The partnership between SMO Gold and the Bellevue Gold Project ensures gold from a net-zero emissions mine can find its way into the market, thereby significantly reducing the carbon footprint of jewellery collections produced by manufacturers, designer-makers and retailers.”
Elsewhere, The Betts Group has focused its attention on ‘recycled’ precious metals, helping the trade to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to potentially misleading traceability and sustainability claims.
Its widely publicised AgAIN Silver is a reliable source of known-provenance recycled metal that is guaranteed to originate from medical X-ray waste. Initially launched in 2022, AgAIN Silver has enjoyed sustained growth thanks to ever increasing interest in recycled metals, especially from genuinely sustainable sources.
“Approximately two to five grams of silver are produced from every kilogram of X-ray film, providing revenue for NHS Trusts across the UK,” Betts explains.
“AgAIN Silver is now available in a range of grain, sheet, wire and ring blanks to support designer-makers and help them engage with their customers on the often-misunderstood recycling topic.”
With all this as the backdrop, The Betts Group has stepped into Spring 2026 by launching its Full Provenance Gold Alloys, made using SMO Gold and AgAIN Silver.
These fully traceable, transparent and responsibly produced alloys will be used to craft 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold wedding rings, as well as bullion products, findings and investment products suitable for all types of businesses.
Betts says: “We are utilising all our precious metal expertise and our fully traceable gold alloys to refresh the wedding ring market in 2026.
“We’ve launched the Modern Court wedding ring profile that is an evolution of the classic court band, providing comfort, premium quality and material provenance.
“We are so excited to showcase this new offering to our existing customers and new connections.”
According to The Betts Group, the arrival of the Modern Court signals a shift in the wedding ring market.
For the first time, consumers are being presented with an option that appeals to their values without sacrificing aesthetics.
“Couples today are looking for rings that feel comfortable to wear every day, are made from materials they can trust, and offer clear choices when it comes to gold. This is what we can offer moving forward.”
Aside from wedding rings, The Betts Group has seen an uptick in demand for refining services, especially as historic high prices push pawnbrokers, retailers, manufacturers and designer-makers to make the most of their scrap.
With diamond and gemstone recovery available, businesses can extract the most value from unwanted pieces and contribute to a more circular jewellery economy that customers appreciate.
“This is an interesting time for precious metals, which is all the more reason to be informed about the responsible options available,” Betts concludes.
“Words like ‘sustainable’, ‘traceable’ and ‘transparent’ can feel like big claims when they aren’t backed up with independent verification. That’s why we prioritise gold and silver from robust sources that can stand up to scrutiny.”
For more information, email sales@bettsmetals.co.uk or telephone 0121 233 2566.
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