It’s Time to Put the “Response” in Responsible

WHEN THE MOVIE The Blood Diamond was released in 2006, it was the culmination of a wave of news and pop culture references to “conflict diamonds.” I remember many across our industry scrambling during that time to neutralize the image of diamonds as a commodity steeped in violence.

In the years since, several organizations have sprung up to raise awareness about the mining conditions and refining processes of fine metals and gemstones of all stripes. The jewelry industry — a large, lumbering colossus comprised of stakeholders with a variety of interests — has slowly begun to make progress in the areas of sustainability and responsible trading.

While some jewelry retailers report that their customers are concerned about the origins of their jewelry, the majority still say that it’s just not a major priority for their clients. Certainly, that may shift as younger consumers, supposedly more concerned about our environment and human rights, begin throwing their buying weight around. But regardless of consumer pressure, the bottom line is that being more responsible in our mining, refining and trading practices is simply the right thing to do.

Our lead story this issue, “Jewelry’s Responsible Future,” provides a report card of sorts for how we’re doing as in industry in terms of materials sourcing, the environment and human rights. Upon reading it, we hope you and your team spend some time with the question: What can we do to help?

Trace Shelton

Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com