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How can jewelry help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?

So in case you hadn't heard, I decided to have a conference here in Chicago.  The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference It's nothing like throwing a cocktail party!  I seem to be the only one amused by saying that, and certainly I am the only one surprised. Thank goodness I partnered with Ethical Metalsmiths,  and the Columbia College Fashion Department we have made a wonderful team! It has been so much work but it has also beeen a lot of fun.   I wanted to have a conference to spread the gospel of sustainable sourcing and responsible practices in the jewelry industry....

The Most Rare, Romantic and Responsible Diamonds I love Vintage Diamonds and their growing popularity is well deserved.  As the Vintage Diamond’s popularity grows so does their rarity.  They are the perfect choice for a responsibly sourced engagement rings. Vintage Diamonds are visibly different than modern diamonds, they have a broad top surface randomly facetted specifically to reflect candlelight and shimmer in the sun.  They are white and clear but somehow the facets are much more colorful than modern diamonds.       Vintage Diamonds were hand cut and this gives each one an unique design of facets on the...

I am a certified FairMined jeweler because FairMined Gold is making a positive impact on our environment, changing communities and saving lives. About 5 years ago something exciting was introduced to the jewelry business – fair trade gold. Prior to this new initiative, only large companies were able to get a good price for the gold that they sold. Now artisanal minders, who mine this precious metal using only the most basic of tools and equipment are able to be paid fairly for their mining efforts. Those who meet environmental and safety standards for their mining practices are now able...

  When I was little I used to obsessively draw branching trees.  It wasn't until I discovered the natural Northern Brazilian quartz that I use in my jewelry that in understood how this dendritic pattern was formed in many places through nature.  The frost on your window, river bed patterns, snowflakes and the crystals that form the "trees" and "scenes".     This was my first piece, I saw the woods of my family cottage in the stone.  I also loved the blue grays, and fall colors.  The tiny world inside of the quartz, had depth and a horizon.  The diamond...