PRESS RELEASE: The Betts Group Supplies Inaugural Batch of Gold Grain from Pioneering Net-Zero Mine to Bristol Based Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery
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Award-winning independent becomes the first UK retailer to secure gold grain from the Bellevue Mine in Western Australia, facilitated by Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold supplier, The Betts Group.
Birmingham Jewellery Quarter-based precious metal specialist, The Betts Group, has introduced the first batch of Single Mine Origin (SMO) fine gold grain from the Bellevue Mine into the UK market, starting with award-winning independent retailer, Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery in Bristol.
The Bellevue Mine is situated in the historic Goldfields of Western Australia and is recognised as the world’s first net-zero emission (Scope 1 and Scope 2) gold mine thanks to a combination of onsite renewable energy, emission reduction measures and high-quality, certified carbon offsets. Earlier this year, Bellevue became an SMO Gold Member Mine in recognition of its ESG credentials and commitment to fully traceable and sustainable operations.
Now, as the exclusive supplier of SMO Gold in the UK, The Betts Group can facilitate the injection of gold from this pioneering source into the UK market, giving businesses access to traceable, transparent, responsible and sustainable precious metal.
In early 2026, Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery in Bristol became the first independent retailer to receive fine gold grain from Bellevue, which will now be used to create bespoke jewellery that aligns with its customers’ values.
Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery Chief Executive, Mark Smith, says: “We are thrilled to be the inaugural recipients of SMO Gold grain from the Bellevue Mine in the UK market. Our clients are committed to making conscious choices about the materials used in their fine jewellery, especially with regard to sustainability. By choosing The Betts Group and SMO Gold, specifically from the Bellevue Mine, we can reassure our clients that their gold is fully traceable and responsibly sourced from a net-zero emission mine. The Betts Group makes it possible to offer our customers something they really want – peace of mind, guarantees and assurances that go far beyond the norm.”
The Bellevue Gold Project – first discovered in 2017 – has focused on sustainability, climate change issues, and gender diversity since its inception. Thanks to its world-leading efforts in renewable energy and emission reduction measures, the mine achieved its net-zero goals in 2025, a year ahead of schedule, and now continues to push for further reductions. As an example, its off-grid hybrid wind and solar power station has allowed the site to run on 100% renewable energy for over four days (>100 hours), representing a record for any mine in Australia.
The Betts Group Managing Director, Charlie Betts, comments: “As the UK’s supplier of SMO Gold, we are in a privileged position to bring fully traceable and responsibly sourced gold to market. Bellevue is a testament to what can be achieved with an ambitious and committed approach to reducing the carbon emissions associated with gold mining. Now, as an SMO Gold Member Mine, we can facilitate the introduction of gold from this innovative source into the UK market, starting with forward-thinking retailers like Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery. This is only the start of great things to come.”
Over 95% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with gold come from the mining process, which makes setting new standards for renewable energy essential. The partnership between SMO Gold and the Bellevue Gold Project ensures gold from a guaranteed 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.
“To date, the jewellery industry has largely relied on promoting recycled gold as the lowest emission option for precious metal,” Betts adds. “However, this is fraught with misconceptions and often such carbon reduction claims cannot be substantiated. Thanks to the combined efforts of Bellevue, SMO Gold and The Betts Group, we can now offer gold with stringent ESG credentials from a guaranteed net-zero emission mine, thus contributing towards a more positive future for gold mining.”
The Betts Group is the UK’s leading supplier of responsibly sourced precious metals, including SMO Gold and AgAIN Silver, which is guaranteed to be recycled from medical X-ray waste. Its segregated refining capabilities also ensure The Betts Group is the UK’s only certified refinery for Fairtrade and Fairmined metals, something that is supported by its status as a Certified Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
In November, the business announced it had made a significant strategic investment in German company, Fairever, which has specialised in sourcing and supplying Fairtrade Gold, Fairmined Gold and Fairmined Silver to the jewellery trade since 2015.
To find out more about purchasing SMO Gold bullion from The Betts Group, including grain, sheet and wire for jewellery manufacturing, please contact sales@bettsmetals.co.uk or telephone 0121 233 2413.
About The Betts Group
The Betts Group is one of the world’s oldest precious metal businesses, having been established in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter in 1760. We offer a range of specialist services, such as precious metal refining and manufacturing, and provide access to an unrivalled breadth of products, including investment bullion and coins, wedding rings, wrought items, grain and findings, and professional tools. Our in-house manufacturing facilities specialise in segregated refining techniques, bespoke coloured alloy production, and precious metal recovery from a range of waste materials.
As a vocal advocate of responsible sourcing, The Betts Group is the only licenced Fairtrade and Fairmined gold refiner in the UK. We have also pioneered Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold, which offers luxury brands and retailers a responsible, fully traceable option without a premium price.
Today, we blend traditional and contemporary knowledge to provide outstanding customer service, products and leadership for the precious metals industry. We support manufacturing jewellers, designers, jewellery students and hobbyists by supplying a comprehensive range of bullion and jewellery supplies backed by an experienced and friendly team. Our goal is to protect our industry for future generations whilst driving ever-higher environmental and sustainability standards.
The Betts Group continues to operate from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and is led by the ninth consecutive generation of the Betts family. We pride ourselves on being custodians of the past and pioneers of the future.
About SMO
SMO stands for Single Mine Origin. A global standard, established in 2017 to offer fully traceable, responsibly sourced gold, at scale. SMO Gold is only sourced from member mines, those operating responsibly and with transparency, adhering to the highest ESG standards, who are independently audited, annually. Representing traceability, responsibility and transparency, SMO is driving positive change within the gold mining industry.
About Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery
Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery has been designing and manufacturing jewellery for over 20 years from its in-house workshops in Clifton, Bristol, and Cirencester, UK. Founder John Titcombe and his experienced team can provide a full in-house design service to bring unique commissions and creations to life, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewellery set with diamonds and precious gemstones.
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