Wal-Mart introduces 'traceable' jewelry line

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Tuesday it is introducing a new jewelry line that allows customers to trace the origins of the materials through a Web site that links to mines and manufacturers. The world's largest retailer says its Love, Earth jewelry will be sold in a collaboration with the group Conservation International, based in Arlington, Va. Wal-Mart says companies producing the conservation-themed jewelry already show social and environmental leadership. A line sold at Wal-Mart will feature 10 karat gold and sterling silver, and the Sam's Club line will include 14 karat gold and sterling silver. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart says that by 2010 it wants at least 10 percent of its jewelry to come from sources that meet its sustainability standards, which include environmental, human rights and... [read full story]