(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, is uniting the industry with a new campaign focused on carbon neutrality. “Jewelers On A Mission” invites eligible stores to complete a brief application describing why sustainability is important to their business and community. The winner will receive up to $5,000 in credits toward becoming carbon neutral and all participants will receive IGI’s playbook and roadmap to improving sustainability efforts. As the first gemological laboratory to commit to carbon neutrality, IGI recognizes the financial commitment such transformation requires and is honored to help a fellow “Jeweler On A Mission” take steps toward preserving the environment.
“Businesses have a tremendous responsibility to be a part of the solution to address global emissions. According to the Paris Climate Accord, businesses can account for 60% of emissions cuts by 2030,” said IGI North America President Avi Levy. “At the Institute, we are forward thinking, committed to leading the jewelry industry to a sustainable future and passionate about helping others work to cultivate a livable planet.”
The Institute believes achieving carbon neutrality is good for the environment, good for a retailer’s bottom line and good for the industry. With just 100 companies contributing to 71% of global emissions, IGI understands that more consumers desire to buy green and some will only purchase products and services they can confirm are produced sustainably.
“We are thrilled to be in a position where our experiences with environmentalism can help other businesses, which is why we decided every applicant will receive IGI’s playbook and roadmap to improving sustainability efforts,” continued Levy. “We want everyone in the industry to have the knowledge and insight needed to go green and we know the best way forward is working together.”
As a result of the impact SCS Global (SCS) has made on IGI’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, the Institute selected it to be a part of the campaign, giving other businesses the opportunity to learn from the organization’s expertise. SCS is a trusted, strategic partner with a team that has brought environmental solutions to Fortune 500 and start-up companies since 1984.
To enter the giveaway, visit www.igi.org/sustainability.
To learn more about IGI and its offerings, visit www.igi.org and gemblog.igi.org.
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Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
