Balfour, ArtCarved, Keystone Class Rings Pledge Support for Cleaner Gold Source.

Commemorative Brands Leads as First Class Rings Manufacturer to Commit to Sourcing Cleaner Gold

AUSTIN, Texas -- American Achievement Corporation's Commemorative Brands, Inc., the parent company of Balfour[R], ArtCarved[R] and Keystone[R] class rings brands and a leading manufacturer and marketer of recognition products, has endorsed the No Dirty Gold campaign's human rights and environmental principles for more responsible gold production, principles the campaign refers to as the Golden Rules. More information is available at www.cleanclassrings.com.

By signing on to these principles, Balfour, ArtCarved and Keystone become the first class rings manufacturers to call on the mining industry to extract and manufacture gold under higher social, human rights and environmental standards. The company joins other jewelry retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds and Zale Corp. in their support of the Golden Rules. The No Dirty Gold campaign is aimed at reforming destructive mining practices and is led by the international relief and development organization Oxfam America and the environmental organization EARTHWORKS.

"Our primary customers -- college and high school students -- make up a generation firmly committed to supporting brands that take corporate social responsibility seriously," said Commemorative Brands General Manager Matt Gase. "Balfour, ArtCarved and Keystone are each committed to sustaining high ethical standards in every aspect of our business. By supporting the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules, we hope to reflect the values of the many students around the country who have a deep commitment to human rights and the environment."

"We're thrilled that Commemorative Brands shares our concerns about the environmental and social impacts of irresponsible mining practices," said Ana Wolfowicz, University of Texas at Austin senior and No Dirty Gold supporter. "This commitment shows CBI takes its obligation to reflect the values of University of Texas at Austin seriously."

As one of the nation's largest jewelry manufacturers, Commemorative Brands utilizes the highest jewelry manufacturing processing standards, including using recycled gold and adhering to the diamond Kimberley Process. It also complies with all Fair Labor Association employment standards.

"According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 80 percent of the gold consumed in the United States is used to make jewelry," said Keith Slack, co-director of the No Dirty Gold campaign and senior policy advisor at Oxfam America. "Commemorative Brands is taking the first step in advocating for the creation of a transparent supply chain for gold from the mine to its customers."

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, American Achievement Corporation's Commemorative Brands, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of commemorative jewelry, from class rings for colleges, universities and high schools across the country, to wedding and affinity jewelry. The company has been creating class and sports achievement rings and accessories for almost 100 years. American Achievement Corporation is a Fenway Partners portfolio company. More information about CBI's three class ring brands is available at www.balfour.com, www.artcarved.com and www.walmart.com.

The No Dirty Gold campaign is a collaboration between the international relief and development organization Oxfam America, the environmental organization EARTHWORKS and partner groups around the world. Since the No Dirty Gold campaign was launched in 2004, more than 55,000 people have signed a petition calling for an alternative to "dirty gold." In addition, more than a dozen major jewelry retailers, including Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds, and Zale Corp., have endorsed the Golden Rules, the campaign's principles for more socially and environmentally responsible mining. More information regarding No Dirty Gold is available at www.nodirtygold.org.