Yesterday, the CFDA hosted The Gold Standard, a virtual conversation on unlocking the world of ethical sourcing and the production of sustainable jewelry.
The session was moderated by Alexandra Hart, Executive Director, Ethical Metalsmiths. The panelists included Beth Bugdaycay, Creative Director, Foundrae; Melissa Joy Manning, CEO & Founder, Melissa Joy Manning; Kristina Buckley Kayel, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council; Laura Galvis, Market Development Executive, Alliance for Responsible Mining; and Brian Cook, Co-Founder, Nature’s Geometry and Co-Founder, Ethical Gem Suppliers Collective.
The conversation spanned from how the industry has evolved over the last 25 years, to what it means to be a responsible brand, defining Fairmined gold, the ethical mining of gems, and conflict free mining and transparency.
“Good design solves problems,” Manning says, “and one of the biggest problems we have is our impact on the environment, on our culture and people. I think we solve that problem by making better products:”
Brian Cook expanded on the resources available in the industry.
“The Craft Code, which is part of the Alliance for Responsible Mining, is an open-source tool that can be used for constant improvement, and that’s all we can do now is continually try to help improve as we go forward.”
On how the industry is evolving and what it means to be a responsible brand, Manning says, “There will be a lot more of us having these conversations and caring about what we’re making, how we’re finding it, and what people are buying. As consumers, we can change the supply chain. I’ve started to see this happen and it’s super exciting.”
“We all have to be focused on continuous improvement, and if you don’t have the expertise there’s so many people you can lean on,” Bugdaycay added.
Watch the full conversation above, or view on Youtube here.
Below are additional resources:
Jewelers
Jewelers Vigilance Committee
The World Jewelry Confederation Responsible Sourcing Toolkit
Responsible Jewelry Council Code of Practices
Gold
Fairmined
The Fairmined 100 Challenge
Recycled versus Fairmined
Become a Licensed Fairmined Brand
Gold Trade Data
Amazon Aid Foundation: River of Gold Documentary
Diamonds
Natural Diamond Council
Metals
Ethical Metalsmiths
Gems
Ethical Gem Suppliers
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)
International Color Gemstone Association (ICA)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Minerals
OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
Other
Pact Worldwide
UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals
Bioneers
