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Elisavet Messi- Essential Jewellery focusing on Sustainability

Elisavet Messi, an award-winning jewellery designer, celebrates sustainability with her new ‘fragments’ collection. Despite the fact that her jewellery is defined by simple lines, they carry sculptural values that focus on the material’s properties.  With a minimalistic approach and belief in the purification of craft through good design; She tries to base her work on efficient essentialism; by embracing the truth of the materials used when possible. This approach results in minimal pieces with sculptural values. "It is quite a challenge to create based on simplicity; however it is also quite rewarding, when people focus on the material itself. You

Emma Aitchison Ditches Gold-Plated Items in the Name of Sustainability

We caught up with Emma Aitchison, founder of the eponymous jewellery brand. Recently, Emma has taken the decision to eliminate gold-plated jewellery from all future collections in the name of sustainability.  Gold-plated jewellery is popular due to its mimicry of timeless gold coupled with its comparatively much lower cost and accessibility. Much focus has been given to sustainability over the past few years, with the consequences of our disposable lifestyles – especially the effect of ‘fast-fashion’ - widely reported on.   The labour-intensive process of stripping gold-plate in conjunction with the relatively low cost of new pieces, often makes replacement

GIA’s Knowledge Discussion Captures the Importance of Sustainability and Ethics

If you have ever wondered, “what does sustainability mean in jewellery and why should we care?” then GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) recent Knowledge Session, where experts offer a trove of knowledge based on their experience and expertise, has answers for you. The webinar offered insights into consumer demand for ethically sourced materials, the importance of sustainability and ethics, and transparency in the gem and jewelry supply chain. A recording of the panel discussion is available  here . This eye-opening discussion was moderated by author and journalist Melanie Grant, who expanded on topics discussed in her book, "

EC One Leads the Way with Sustainability by Becoming B-Corp Certified

London based jewellery boutique E.C. One is leading the way in sustainability within the jewellery industry, by becoming only the second jeweller in the UK to be B-Corporation Certified and joining an established community of companies using business as a force for good.  The accreditation process to become a B-Corp involves an in-depth analysis of the business’ entire social and environmental performance, to assess its impact on its workers, community, environment and customers. Other well-known brands within the B-Corp community include: Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and Eileen Fisher. Ethics and sustainability have long been high on the agenda at E.C. [youtube

Sustainability and the future of retailing absorb the industry finds INHORGENTA in survey

New online survey among 1,215 trade fair participants explores leading trends. Majority of retailers and manufacturers plan to focus on sustainable products. Future of retail is seen as a major challenge. Altered customer behavior, digitalization and sustainability will be the most important issues for the jewelry and timepiece industry in future years, according to the results of a representative INHORGENTA survey. A total of 1,215 industry professionals took part in the survey and provided a clear picture of the state of the sector. INHORGENTA MUNICH will present a wide range of program areas about the top issues in the industry

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream, ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream,  ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’ The London Design Academy 9.30am, Saturday 29 August 2020  The exciting international educational initiative – The London Design Academy (LDA) –  continues the global educational debate this weekend with the second in a series of online global forums, East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream,  ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship'  live online on Saturday 29 August 2020 9.30am     With the world facing unprecedented economic and social challenges in the aftermath of COVID 19, these forums are themed to the

Women’s Empowerment in Action, within the Jewellery Supply Chain

The Dragonfly Initiative is a sustainability consultancy that works across the depth of the jewellery supply chain to support the growth and sustainability of emergent jewellery businesses. The consultancy has recently been working with brands which champion female empowerment. Vivien Johnston of The Dragonfly Initiative is an expert in her field regarding jewellery ethics and sustainability as well as having a track record of first hand experience in end to end best practice in jewellery manufacture. A recent client of the consultancy was a female led jewellery brand, Myne London, which had a mandate to source emeralds mined and polished

Positive Luxury Publish Latest Report on the Future of Jewellery and Watches

“Crafted from infinitely recyclable materials and designed to be treasured and handed down through generations, fine jewellery and watches (known as ‘hard luxury’ products) should sit at the intersection of luxury and sustainability. However, opaque supply chains and unsustainable production processes have flourished beneath the industry’s opulent veneer. But the tide is changing. Like many industries, the impending climate crisis and changing consumer priorities are forcing hard luxury brands to reckon with their unsustainable actions and pursue planet-positive production along their entire supply chain. It’s estimated that by 2025, 20-30% of fine jewellery purchases will be somewhat influenced by sustainability

New York City Jewelry Week: Inclusion and diversity

The week of New York City Jewelry Week was characterized by a flurry of events, exhibitions, symposia, workshops, demonstrations and talks... which marked the days with a fitting rhythm, covering topics and presenting very different types of jewelry writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Together with important partners such as Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), suggestive venues and prestigious interventions, there has been talks of jewelry touching various themes:  starting from sustainability with a symposium called  Full Circle: A Responsible Jewelry Cycle , which was a one day crash course on the sustainability challenges that face the

Call to Action on Climate Change: Responsible Jewellery Council Webinar

Call to Action on Climate Change - An Overview of the Jewellery Sector Join a panel of sustainability experts and RJC members as they discuss how to engage with climate action. Part of the RJC SDG Roadshow in partnership with United Nations Global Compact.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The business community, including the global jewellery and watch industry, has committed itself to reducing its impact on the planet and to increasing its engagement with climate action. And, during COVID we have seen companies struggling with the crisis continue their commitment to sustainability and responsible business. What can we learn from each other and

EU Parliament Approves Supply Chain Law

The European Parliament vote on April 24, 2024, to approve the proposed European law to require large companies to prevent and remedy human rights and environmental abuses in their global supply chains is a step forward for corporate accountability, Human Rights Watch said today.  The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) seeks to introduce legal obligations for large corporations to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence in their global supply chains. The Parliament’s vote in Strasbourg was on the 11th anniversary of the tragic collapse on April 24, 2013, of the  Rana Plaza  building in  Bangladesh ,

News Edit: 12 March 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Celebrate the women in your life this International Women’s Day with jewellery designed with sustainability and social impact in mind Big Issue: Quazi Design is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, which sources ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs. www.bigissue.com Jewels linked to Winston Churchill and Princess Diana to be sold for £125,000 Daily Express: A golden necklace that has links to the Duke of Wellington, Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales is to be made available for sale

News Edit: 10 December 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...           World Wildlife Fund criticises watch and jewellery industry Jeweller Magazine: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has issued a scathing criticism of the jewellery and watch industry, publishing a report raising questions about the environmental impact of the trade. www.jewellermagazine.com   Jewelry and Watch Brands Must Be More Transparent, Says WWF Rapaport: The jewelry and watch industry is still lacking when it comes to sustainability, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said in a report on brands’ environmental performance. rapaport.com The Ethical Jewellery Labels To Put

News Edit: 15 July 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The Most Jaw-Dropping Jewellery Presented At Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Vogue: Despite the riots in France last weekend, Paris was relatively calm by the onset of haute couture week on Monday. www.vogue.co.uk The Jewels That Keep You Looking Chic And Cool In Summer Forbes: I usually like it hot. In winter, I dress in layers, sleep in cashmere and hang out in down slippers that might be suitable for Alaska. www.forbes.com Jewellery industry urged to see the light on sustainability FT: A recent global summit offered warnings

Free Online Courses - Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF

Free Online Courses Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF Start your journey to becoming a gem expert with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF introductory online courses and access trustworthy information from one of the world’s leading authorities on coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Diamonds Emeralds Pearls Rubies Sapphires Garnets Opals Spinels Tourmalines Sustainability Who are these courses for? Curious about diamonds and gemstones who wants to start learning more with free courses. People in the diamond, gem or jewellery trade that want to gain expert insights on topics such as synthetic diamonds, treatments in emeralds, ruby origins, colour terms in sapphires or the

Aspiring apprentice looking for employment 2024

Aspiring apprentice looking for employment 2024   I’m Nat, an aspiring silversmith/ jeweller looking for an employer in or around London to support me through an apprenticeship with the British Academy of Jewellery starting September 2024. I am an extremely committed, and hard working individual, hoping to eventually start my own jewellery business with a focus on sustainability, and just need the opportunity to get my foot in the door of the industry. I am coming to this as a complete beginner, however I have always had a passion for making and experimenting, and have a little experience with wood

News Edit: 7 August 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   A Proud Achievement for Michael Hill and Its Commitment to an Ongoing Sustainability Journey Yahoo: The global jewellery brand is thrilled to announce it is the first major jeweller in Australia & New Zealand to become an Accredited Retailer for Certified Sustainable Laboratory-Created Diamonds. finance.yahoo.com BrandBuildr announces 135.36% sales growth in past three years Business Manchester: North-West based company BrandBuildr ranks as 15th in The Sunday Times 100 fastest growing private companies. Sales last year reached £17.6 million. businessmanchester.co.uk Diamond jeweller Rohan Milne built a career working with

News Edit: 12 December 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   In London, the Goldsmiths’ Company Gets Ready to Mark 700 Years NY Times: The organization says improving diversity and creating a digital archive of its 12,000 pieces of jewelry and silver will help propel it into the future. www.nytimes.com Want a Diamond? Why Not Paint Your Own? NY Times: Interest in the luxury house tradition of drawing gems has led to classes in the technique, including one at a museum in Belgium. www.nytimes.co In fine jewelry and watches, sustainability shines through Mckinsey: Consumers shopping for high-end jewelry and

Maker Needs Survey, Crafts Council

Maker Needs Survey, Crafts Council   The Crafts Council's annual survey of maker needs has landed, and we want to hear from you! Now in its sixth year, the survey gathers vital intel from craft makers and business owners to inform future resources and initiatives and influence government policy. Complete the survey Understanding what you need to maintain and further your practice is vital to developing our work for artists, designers and makers at all career stages. This is particularly important in the context of COVID-19, Brexit and the future sustainability of your craft businesses. The survey takes 10-15 minutes

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

On a beautiful sunny day this week, Benchpeg was invited to join the Copenhagen Commitment’s second summit meeting hosted by the Goldsmiths' Centre to discuss what, in the most democratic and transparent manner, delegates considered to be the most important key issues around industry ethics, the environment and sustainability at both at macro and micro levels were. Delegates such as Pippa Small, Jos Skeates, Stuart Pool, Peter Crump, Melanie Eddy, Thelma West, Yianni Melas, Karen Westland of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Marcus McCallum, Charlotte Cornelius and many, many others were in attendance. Svend Wennick who drives the Copenhagen Commitment initiative

News Edit: 28 April 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   This Sustainable Fine Jewellery Collection from Dover Street Market Is The Perfect Mix of Creativity And Innovation Vogue: There are few conversations within this industry that have become as profoundly important as that surrounding sustainability. vogue.co.uk In My Jewellery Box: Marla Aaron The Telegraph: New York-based jewellery designer Marla Aaron fell in love with jewellery as a young girl playing with her grandmother’s collection, but she never envisaged making a career out of it. telegraph.co.uk The jewellers turning their hand to home furnishings How To Spend It: Cutting-edge jewellers are

Fair Luxury calls for jewellers to join the fashion revolution, letting customers know who made their jewellery

It’s said we are the first generation that knows that we are killing the planet, and fast fashion has been amongst one of the biggest targets of criticism. This new era of awareness couldn’t be more apparent- with activist group Extinction Rebellion hosting rallies in cities over the world in the last few days.  At a time where sustainability accounts for a key fashion trend and internet searches for ‘sustainable fashion’ have almost doubled since last year; Fair Luxury looks to the jewellery industry, as a caveat of the fashion trade, to take action and show solidarity for planet Earth. Fashion

Dialogues About Responsible Jewellery - JOYA Barcelona on Zoom

Origen Collective - Gold for Future:  Dialogues About Responsible Jewellery Zoom Lecture 5.00pm (GMT), 12 November 2020 As part of JOYA Barcelona part the Origen Collective invite attendees to a lecture via Zoom, of the Origen - Gold for Future collective, about the social commitment of Responsible Jewelry, on November 12 at 18:00 (Spanish time, 5.00pm UK time). The concern for social commitment and sustainability in jewellery is becoming more important nowadays. In this scenario, the Dialogues on Responsible Jewellery are presented as a space for exchange and debate around the challenges and opportunities of this new conception of jewellery

Stellar line up set for IJL 2019

Artist jeweller John Moore, The Futurist Paola de Luca, DeBeers, Sotheby’s, Fairtrade Gold, Hilary Alexander OBE and Graduate Fashion Week among stellar IJL 2019 line up IJL,, opens on Sunday 1 September and will welcome some of the biggest brands, cutting-edge designers and the latest in Jewellery and Watch technology and sustainability to the show. IJL’s event programme features designers including: Jeweller of The Fair John Moore @IJL, Monday 2 September: The inaugural Jeweller of The Fair John Moore will show his collection on the IJL Inspires Catwalk Theatre on Monday 2 September (13:45 - 14:30) followed by questions from

Fair Luxury presents at IJL 2019

Fair Luxury present @ IJL 2019 Since its inception in 2016 the Fair Luxury collective has provided a platform of promotion, information and education surrounding the complex topics of ethics and sustainability in today’s jewellery market. Bringing such challenging and ever evolving subjects to a wider audience requires support from our dynamic industry – therefore the Fair Luxury collective are proud to be once again presenting at International Jewellery London for the third year. Fair Luxury would like you to join them at IJL’s ‘Knowledge Hub’ on Tuesday 3 September for what promises to be a diverse discussion of latest

Sixteen of the World’s Best Emerging Fashion Designers to Exhibit in London at the International Fashion Showcase 2019

The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. The biennial fashion presentation is a partnership between the British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion, UAL and Somerset House. For London Fashion Week this February, the showcase has a new format. For the first time, 16 selected designers from across the globe will showcase a series of compelling installations to represent their respective country. The designers will explore politics, sustainability, identity and heritage and show their latest designs in immersive environments. The 16 countries represented are: Bangladesh, Brazil,

Gemfields Hosts Introductory Course in Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

As a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced, coloured gemstones, Gemfields is perfectly placed in bringing together experts to share their in-depth knowledge with the jewellery industry. And it did just that this weekend, hosting a one-day introductory coloured gemstone seminar in London with an impressive line-up of industry experts at the stylish Ham Yard Hotel in Soho. A panel of speakers – including specialists in sustainability, jewellery and gemmology– addressed sales and retail staff from key jewellery brands, lifting the lid on the charm, attraction and complexities of rubies, emeralds and sapphires, the three most coveted coloured gemstones. The latest

Flavia Amadeu X :In-Residence

Flavia Amadeu X :In-Residence :IN-RESIDENCE are proud to host Brazilian jewellery designer Flavia Amadeu in store on Friday 20 April 2018 from 17:00 to 20:00 for an exclusive preview of her work prior to her participation in the V&As Fashioned from Nature exhibition which opens to the public on Saturday 21 April 2018.  This is the first exhibition of its kind to explore the complex relationship between fashion and nature from 1600 to the present day.  Flavia will be available to discuss her work and her passion for sustainability within the fashion industry. Flavia Amadeu is a Brazilian jewellery, fashion,

News Edit: 7 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Fine Jewelry Meets Sustainability: Ethical Boutique La Maison Couture Launches Selfridges Pop-Up Forbes: From October 25 to November 21, holiday shoppers will be able to check out the fine jewelry pieces from La Maison Couture up close at the ethical boutique’s newly launched pop-up site in the heart of the prestigious luxury department store Selfridges. www.forbes.com ‘I was concerned’ Gok Wan addresses reservations over ITV role amid break from career Daily Express: GOK WAN has addressed his reservations over presenting his latest ITV show Bling, as he spoke

News Edit: 29th November 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Career Q&A: Sustainable British-Lebanese jewellery designer, Alexandra Hakim Fashion United: Known for her innovative craftsmanship and dedication to sustainability, British-Lebanese jewellery designer Alexandra Hakim's creations have been featured in Vogue Italia and worn by Rihanna. Recently, FashionUnited interviewed Hakim via email on what inspired her to work with metal and her label’s zero-waste approach. https://fashionunited.uk Jewellery brands urged to do more to fight gold, diamond mining abuses Reuters: As jewellery sales get a pre-Christmas boost, consumers were warned on Tuesday that major brands are still not doing enough

News Edit: 12 July 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Chopard brings a playful edge to its red carpet-worthy high jewellery The Telegraph: A necklace featuring 90 carats of heart-shaped diamonds and gemstone-studded animals are among the highlights of Chopard's 2020 collection. telegraph.co.uk Sustainability Tips from Jewellery Designer, Pippa Small Vanity Fair: Inspiration from the acclaimed designer. vanityfair.com July 2020: What's New In Jewellery Tatler: This month, expect summery, everyday, and nature-inspired jewellery pieces—as well as some truly stunning engagement rings. asiatatler.com Your Guide To Wearing Men's Jewellery Right Tatler: With more

Lebrusan Studio is Fighting the War on Climate Change with Vintage Diamonds, Here's How.

Arabel Lebrusan does not take a gentle approach when it comes to ethical and environmental issue. Her eponymous brand, Lebrusan studio, is well known for its commitement to sustainability, which informs every new collection and initiative.  Lebrusan declares "We're in a state of climate emergency . . . Gobal warming has reached crisis point. No matter how fairly traded or carefully sourced, newly mined materials use up valuable resources. It's vital that we slow down the rate at which we're currently consuming water, land and energy."  Alongside their existing offer of 100% recycled precious metals, Lebrusan Studio are now incorporating