Dawn Meaden-Johnson
Apr 3, 20223 min
If you are an Ethical Jewellery Business, having a dedicated page on your website that has a statement supporting what your ethical commitments are is incredibly important for offering proof to customers. This will help them decide why it’s the right choice to choose to buy from your Ethical Jewellery Brand.
You just need a few paragraphs setting out which ethical practises your business is committed to undertaking to the best of your ability. Set out how you tackle your supply of raw materials; environmental and sustainability practices as you go about your Jewellery business.
· Transparency is extremely important when providing information on your of Ethical Practices.
In your statement, only advise what you know you do undertake or can deliver.
This may mean that you might need to advise for example, that there are materials options for customers to choose from so that they can make their own choices or that non material business practises such as recycling or deliveries are scheduled in groups whenever possible etc.
Examples of relevant information
- If you adhere to these practises, share this information
- If your Gemstone supply chain choices are from known sources, such has Conflict Free Certified (Kimberley) Diamonds, Canada Mark, Fairtrade Gemstones or ethical source suppliers.
- If you are buying from suppliers or dealers that are members or licensed with recognised responsible organisations such as Fairmined, Fairtrade, Responsible Jewellery Council, etc.
- If your brand is a licensed Fair Trade or Fairmined Jeweller yourself and this relates to Hallmarks you offer.
- If you have a Lab grown Diamonds or other manmade Gemstone alternatives to offer.
- If use ethically sourced Gemstones, you could provide some general details about the supply chain and Country of Origin of the Gemstones, you don’t necessarily need to specifically name your supplier if you prefer not. Advising where in the World or what type of Gemstones you are using will help prove the provenance and give credibility to your ethical statement.
- If you are choosing recycled raw materials for some or all of your work and what you mean by ‘Recycled’.
- If you are offering different type of products for Environmental reasons.
- If you are undertaking practises to offset your business Carbon Footprint and how you are doing this. Who you support and why, subscription or charity donation etc.
- If some or all of your Packaging is recycled, biodegradable, eco-friendly etc.
- If you remodel vintage jewellery to make new.
- If you recycle gemstones from vintage jewellery and if you and have them re-cut or re-polished for use etc.
When you have completed your list, go back and self audit yourself. Consider, could you provide some evidence of your practices if asked?
Other useful sources of information on Ethical Practices for Jewellers
Fairmined (gold)
The Alliance of Fair Mining
https://www.responsiblemines.org/
Fair Luxury
CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation)
4.1.2: RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN GUIDANCE AND STANDARDS FOR JEWELLERY INDUSTRY METALS AND GEMSTONES
a: London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) LBMA Responsible Sourcing programme
www.lbma.org.uk/responsible-sourcing
b: World Diamond Council (WDC) WDC System of Warranties
4.1.3: RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN GUIDANCE AND STANDARDS FOR ARTISANAL SOURCING
a: Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) “CRAFT” Code of Risk Mitigation for ASM
Diamond Development Initiative
Fairtrade (gold)
https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/for-business/fairtrade-sourcing/
Canada Mark (Diamonds)
Kimberley Process (Diamonds)
https://www.kimberleyprocess.com/
The Responsible Jewellery Council
BLOG - About the author
Dawn Meaden-Johnson is the Director and Founder of The Bespoke Jewellery Training Company. She has over 25 years’ experience working in the Jewellery Industry including Retail Jewellers and almost 10 Years at Birmingham City University School of Jewellery during which time she has worked extensively with national and international clients whilst managing their Short Course Programme project.
Dawn is also an experienced jewellery business specialist mentor for Jewellery Graduates and Designer Makers.
A graduate Silversmith of Birmingham School of Jewellery, Dawn still occasionally creates limited edition contemporary jewellery.
- Email Dawn at bespoketraining@virginmedia.com