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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

Appointment: Victoria Waugh Announced as Women’s Jewellery Network First Ethics and Sustainability Ambassador

The Women’s Jewellery Network, the UK’s only dedicated organisation supporting women working in the UK jewellery industry, today announces Victoria Waugh as its first UK Ambassador for Ethics and Sustainability. Waugh has more than 15 years’ business development experience across the clothing, jewellery and accessory sectors, plus leading the Fairtrade Foundation's work to launch Fairtrade gold, bringing a wealth of commercial expertise and knowledge of sustainable and ethical practices to the WJN and its members. Waugh joins four existing WJN regional Ambassadors in a role that will provide support and direction for WJN members wishing to know more about ethical

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

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

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

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 LVMH partnership with Central Saint Martins

LVMH and Central Saint Martins have announced a groundbreaking new partnership to promote creativity and identify cutting-edge solutions to drive  sustainability and innovation in luxury. Under the banner LVMH & Central Saint Martins “Sustainability & Innovation in Luxury | Fostering Creativity”, this new program is inspired by a shared desire to address the  many challenges facing the luxury industry.  After many years of academic and creative collaboration, LVMH is taking its relationship with Central Saint Martins to a new level in 2017, creating a new program with the renowned art and design school. The partnership will promote creativity, nurture young

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Workshop

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Workshop This in-depth workshop is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery, Greg Valerio MBE and Ute Decker, and is about sustainability and ethical awareness in the jewellery industry. It is aimed at those involved in the designing, making and selling of jewellery as well as students and teachers of jewellery and follows from the Symposium on March 28. There is no required knowledge base for this course; complete beginners, students and professional jewellers will benefit from the material covered. The workshop will provide information and tools

On the Line: Perspectives on Craft in Southeast Asia

On the Line: Perspectives on craft in Southeast Asia The Aram Gallery will host On the Line , a British Council exhibition exploring craft through the practices of women in Southeast Asia. The show’s opening coincides with London Craft Week (3-7 May 2017). On the Line seeks to question the sustainability of craft in Southeast Asia in the context of increasing globalisation. It offers a range of insights into the lives and cultures of women working in this sector today. Curated by Martina Margetts and designed by Mentsen, the exhibition features impressions and unique materials collected by Royal College of Art

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

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 ,

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

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity New Brewery Arts and Heritage Crafts are seeking makers and craftspeople aged 25 and under to take part in an exhibition at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester in 2025. We want to introduce audiences to the next generation. The exhibition aims to highlight the wealth of skill, thinking, heritage understanding and imagination in the craft sector, played out in the hands of young makers. We aim to excite and inspire audiences by including work that approaches craft through the use of: Fresh Perspectives Diverse Mediums Storytelling Community Connection Sustainability Focus Emerging Trends

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

Procurement Coordinator, Taylor & Hart - Central London WC1

The role Procurement Coordinator Taylor & Hart Central London WC1 Salary: 28K + 10% performance bonus Overview At Taylor and Hart we are a digital-first engagement ring company. Our "without limits" approach to product design, customer experience and our ethical supply chain has positioned us as one of the most innovative jewellery companies in the last decade. Our workplace is supportive, rewarding and flexible. We celebrate diversity, equality, sustainability and inclusiveness. As we've grown, so too has our product range. We started as a bespoke-only brand, but now our offering includes a wide range of gems and diamonds, set made-to-order

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

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,

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,

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

Best of Britannia London 2017

Best of Britannia London - The Home of Great British Makers Best of Britannia, the unique showcase for British brands, is proud to announce that its annual London trade and consumer event will take place on Thursday October 12th and Friday October 13th 2017. Launched in 2012, Best of Britannia is a celebration of all that is beautifully made in the UK. From British heritage products to exciting new innovations, the annual London exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reach trade and consumer customers who care about quality, provenance and sustainability and want to purchase high quality products made

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

Designer Tips for Ethical Practices to Start off a Sustainable Business Our friends from Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths have been up to great adventures in the field of ethical jewellery and sustainability. The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, the charitable arm of the Incorporation, shared with us details of their latest initiative of setting up an online ethical jewellery resource for informing jewellery designers who want to work towards an ethical practice. It’s in Our Hands – Symposium on the Future of Ethical Jewellery Making in Scotland In partnership with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, the Incorporation held their first

Flux 2017 - Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery Conference

Brining together pioneering figures from the worlds of jewellery, fashion, and beyond - FLUX provides a platform for industry leaders who question the way in which we approach provenance and sustainability by examining the complex journey from mine to market. This two-day event will build on our inaugural conference in 2016 to further encourage a dynamic platform for debate, providing an atmosphere of collaboration between open-minded individuals who wish to be part of something truly trailblazing. Day one will focus on a range of topics relating to responsible and sustainable sourcing in the jewellery sector for small and medium sized

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This course is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery, Greg Valerio MBE & Ute Decker, and is about sustainability and ethical awareness. It is aimed at those involved in designing, making selling, learning or teaching jewellery and follows on from the Symposium the previous day. 1. What topics will we cover? The course will explain the ethical issues in jewellery making and the significance of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold. You will learn about different approaches to ethical

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

Gemfields Recognised With The Chopard GCC Award

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Creative Director of Swiss luxury jewellery and watch company Chopard, launched The Chopard Green Carpet Collection Award in Cannes last week. Mining organisations that have played a key role in Chopard’s Green Carpet Collections were present at the events. Livia and Colin Firth, together with Caroline Scheufele , took this opportunity to honour Chopard’s strategic suppliers who all share the same social and environmental values, awarding them the Chopard GCC Award for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice.  The awardees were: Gemfields , Kagem mine , Zambia Lucara , Karowe mine , Botswana Aurora Gems Pty