The French jewelry brand Paulette à Bicyclette, one of the first Fairmined licensees in Europe, recently received second place in the 2026 CSR Awards from Francéclat. This recognition highlights the commitment To jewelry companies to sustainability and social responsibility within the sector.
This award represents much more than an achievement for the brand. It reflects the growing value the industry places on responsible sourcing models that generate positive impacts for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
Hélène Grassin founder of Paulette à Bicyclette Photo: by the French Makers
A conviction from the beginning
When Hélène Renaud founded Paulette à Bicyclette more than 15 years ago, she had a clear idea: she would never launch a jewelry brand without a responsible source of gold.
Although she initially started using recycled gold, a few months later she discovered Fairmined and decided to shift toward a model that not only aimed to reduce environmental impact but also to improve the living conditions of those who extract the gold.
Since then, Fairmined has been part of the company’s DNA.
Evolving to generate greater impact
After more than a decade of working exclusively with 100% traceable Fairmined gold, the company decided to also incorporate the Fairmined Credits model.
Several factors drove this decision: simplifying certain processes for certified mines, reducing production times, and offering more accessible options for clients, without stopping financial support to Fairmined mining communities.
Today, Paulette à Bicyclette offers two options to its clients:
- • Jewelry made with 100% traceable Fairmined gold, from mine to finished piece;
- • Jewelry made with recycled gold backed by Fairmined Credits, which provide direct financial contributions to certified mines.
Rather than replacing one model with another, the company sees them as complementary approaches that expand its positive impact.
Challenging myths about responsible jewelry
One of the biggest ongoing challenges remains communication.
According to Hélène, many people still believe recycled gold is always the most responsible option, or that certifications are merely a marketing strategy.
However, she explains that gold recycling has existed for centuries and, while it has benefits, on its own it does not help reduce issues such as mercury pollution, poor working conditions, or informality present in parts of artisanal mining.
Supporting mines that operate under responsible standards means directly investing in better environmental practices, human rights, and community development.
The role of jewelry in a fairer supply chain
For Paulette à Bicyclette, jewelry brands play a fundamental role as a bridge between mining communities and consumers.
Every sourcing decision represents an opportunity to promote more transparent production models and demonstrate that it is possible to build an industry where quality, beauty, and responsibility go hand in hand.
Looking toward the future
The recognition awarded by Francéclat serves as confirmation of the path taken and as motivation to continue advancing.
The company will continue working with Fairmined gold and Fairmined Credits, strengthening its commitment to responsible artisanal and small-scale mining. In addition, it will dedicate the prize money to improving air quality in its workshop, reaffirming that social responsibility also begins with the well-being of the people who make each piece possible.
