Sustainable vs. Responsible Jewelry
BRIEF: On this blog, you will find links to the major organizations of responsible jewelry helping the industry move towards sustainability. Reading time: 2 min.
Before you begin your journey as a "sustainable" jewelry business, there is something essential to learn.
The leading organization creating standards for the jewelry and watch industry is called the Responsible Jewelry Council, and the annual conference in Chicago is the Responsible Jewelry Conference. Notice that they both use the word RESPONSIBLE.
“Responsible Jewelry Council…
“is the only ISEAL Full Member for sustainable standards and practices in the jewelry industry. Our Code of Practices standard aligns with the 17 SDGs and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.”
The idea is that to create a globally sustainable future, first, we have to make responsible choices by focusing on business ethics and responsible supply chains. There is nothing sustainable about a mine, but we can be socially and environmentally responsible by choosing small-scale operations that don't pollute, deforest or violate human rights.
A responsible supply chain is critical! Knowing where your materials come from can stop many ethical and environmental issues around the world.
CRJC…
Committed to Creating Transparency and Responsibility in Jewelry Supply Chains
We are working towards sustainability, and your actions count! Please look at the resources on this blog, and share them with others.
Jewelry is a creative field; precious metals and gemstones are not the only materials you can use. Many of my favorite jewelers work with trash and biodegradable materials. If you want to be sustainable, you can find a way where ever you are.
I recommend becoming a member of the Ethical Metalsmiths! You will be included in the forum to join conversations about resources, industry concerns, and anything else responsible-jewelry related.
Founded in 2004,
Ethical Metalsmiths has made an impact on the field of jewelry design through education, connection and action.
Lastly, if you are part of the body jewelry industry and work with titanium and niobium, visit the website of TIC (Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center). They are a Belgium association promoting better standards for coltan mining, removing conflict minerals, and promoting transparency in the supply chain.
TIC (Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center)…
addresses major issues and challenges facing its industry, such as conflict minerals legislation, artisanal and small-scale mining, and transport of radioactive materials.
Thanks for reading and for being here. All blog posts are "active." I update them as I find new information. We are a community. If you have relevant information on the subject you want others to know, please leave it in the comments below.