Events & Awards

Here’s What’s on Tap for Chicago Responsibility Conf. 2019

Events & AwardsSep 06, 2019

Here’s What’s on Tap for Chicago Responsibility Conf. 2019

The event is slated for Oct. 25 and 26 at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema on South Wabash Avenue.

Chicago—The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference is returning with a new lineup of speakers, offering sessions on gold mining, single sourcing gemstones, indigenous management of mineral rights and more.

The event is slated for Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26 at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema on South Wabash Avenue.

A Responsible Gem Boutique is also lined up for the day before, Oct. 24, at the nearby Jeweler’s Row main building, where attendees can meet single-source providers and distributors of colored gemstones from around the world.

While some details, like the keynote presentation, are still being finalized, there are plenty of interesting talks confirmed for the 2019 event.

On the morning of Oct. 25, journalist Paul Tullis and Brian Cook of Nature’s Geometry will speak on “Global Mining and Deforestation,” offering a look at the impacts of deforestation and the new model for forest-safe mining.

This will be followed by a session from Perry Gottesfeld of nonprofit Occupational Health at Knowledge International (OK International) called “Public Health Impacts of the Jewelry Supply Chain: Challenges & Solutions,” educating attendees about the risks associated with common health hazards in the jewelry supply chain and successful pilot intervention programs reducing exposure in small-scale mining and gem cutting.

That same day, there will be a panel on “Illegal Gold: Where It’s Coming from and Impacts to Society and Your Supply Chain,” moderated by Brad Brooks-Rubin of Enough and featuring panelists Angel Camacho of the FBI, Alyssa Newman of Google Earth and Betsy Orlando from the U.S. State Department.

Friday also will include a screening—and the U.S. premiere—of “The Shadow of Gold” in the afternoon. Filmed in China, Peru, Canada, the U.S., London, Dubai, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the two-part documentary looks at the impact of gold mining and the gold trade on the economy, environment and conflicts.

Saturday, Oct. 26 will get going with a jewelry design panel moderated by the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Brandee Dallow and designer panelists Meri Geraldine and Dana Bronfman.

RELATED CONTENT: CRJC Partners with Kenyan Gem and Jewelry Suppliers
The day will also feature such sessions as “The State of the Cottage Cutting Industry in India,” in which Jagdish Patel of the People’s Training & Research Center and Jo Becker of Human Rights Watch will talk about the working conditions of the country’s industry.

“Mine to Market: Single Source for Colored Gemstones and Gold,” featuring
Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House, Moyo Gems, Anza Gems, Fairmined Gold and the Association of Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya, will teach attendees how and why they should create single-source supply chains for colored stones and gold.

There will also be a conversation with the chiefs of the Paiter-Surui Tribe regarding indigenous management of mineral rights.

The conference will close with a cocktail party on the evening of Oct. 26 at Chicago retailer Steve Quick Jeweler.

For more information or to register, visit ResponsibleJewelryConference.com.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Aerial shot of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues

The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.

Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

203-carat, 116-carat, and 42-carat diamond
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024

A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

American Gem Society Conclave logo 2024
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

 Stock image of a gavel
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond Advertising

NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”

Visual from Tiffany & Co.’s With Love Since 1837 campaign
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%

LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.

 B&D ribbon cutting in RI
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New Headquarters

B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Model Wearing Eat Cake Collection
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection

It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy