Peace Gold jewellers opens on Bondgate in Bishop Auckland

Peace Gold opened its doors this week on Bondgate, Bishop Auckland - the brainchild of 57-year-old experienced jeweller and activist Greg Valerio.

Greg, who has travelled the world including in Congo campaigning for and working with gold farmers in an effort for ethical, sustainable and fairtrade jewellery finally opened his shop for the first time on November 2.

Greg Valerio. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) During his decorated career, which began in the early 90s, he has worked with campaigners including Bob Geldof, Katharine Hamnett, Anita Roddick and Harriet Lamb.

He was also the first international jeweller to visit Oro Verdé, Colombia, where he befriended eco-friendly gold miners.

Greg told The Northern Echo: "My background in jewellery has seen me work with source communities around the world - I received an MBE in 2015 for my work.

"Peace Gold works with both ends of the supply chain. We work with mining communities that have been impacted by conflict and small scale mining cooperatives as well as with a growing network of ethical jewellers.

Peace Gold Ethical Jewellery House opens in Bishop Auckland, pictured resident Goldsmith Kate Seow (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Peace Gold Ethical Jewellery House opens in Bishop Auckland, pictured resident Goldsmith Kate Seow (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) "We are here at our shop in Bishop Auckland to curate ethical jewellers from around the country as well as run workshops and courses involving our very own goldsmith Kate Seow from Yarm.

"Jewellery is an artisan craft - it is a skilled craft."

Some of Greg's ambitious plans for the store include running workshops and courses as well as apprenticeships for young people hoping to break into the industry.

One such workshop will be a 'make your own wedding ring' interactive class for couples ahead of their special day.

Pieces at Peace Gold, Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Peace Gold Ethical Jewellery House opens in Bishop Auckland, pictured Founding Director Greg Valerio MBE (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Greg, who is originally from Sussex, added that business and interest so far has been "fantastic".

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He added: "The opportunity is mushrooming and we are just riding it at the minute - this is a genuine adventure.

"We have a very clear social impact agenda - we can use the brilliance of this profession to change things and change people's lives.

"I am very excited, I have to say."