Independents

Reflective Jewelry Awarded For Eco-Friendly Practices

IndependentsJun 27, 2019

Reflective Jewelry Awarded For Eco-Friendly Practices

The New Mexico retailer strives to be as environmentally responsible as possible in every aspect of the business, limiting waste and avoiding harsh chemicals.

20190626_Reflective_Jewelry.jpg
Dr. Camilla Bustamante of Santa Fe Community College (left) presented New Mexico’s Green Business of The Year Award to Reflective Jewelry President Marc Choyt and his wife and co-founder Helen Chantler last week.

Santa Fe, N.M.—Reflective Jewelry, a custom and designer jewelry studio, was recently named Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Green Business of The Year.

The City of Santa Fe and its Chamber of Commerce presented the award at a ceremony last week, honoring the retailer for its commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.

The company was founded in 1995 by husband-and-wife team Marc Choyt and Helen Chantler, who began making jewelry in their home before opening a store in 2001.

Its jewelers use citric acid for pickling (a process that cleans metal after soldering), fluoride-free flux for soldering and a soap-based solution when tumbling stones, all in lieu of harsh chemicals.

The sinks are equipped with traps for catching heavy metals and the vacuums capture dust and compounds, and those trappings are then recycled.

The store uses LED lighting and ships products in biodegradable bags. Even its broom closet is eco-friendly, stocked with washable cloth towels, organic dish soap and non-toxic floor cleaners.

The store transformed the concrete foundation in front of the boutique into a landscape garden, complete with apricot and cherry trees and native plants, all fed by water channeled off its 3,500 square foot roof.

The company began making its products with recycled metals in 2007 and joined the Fairtrade Gold initiative in 2015.

“Though there are over 250 Fairtrade Gold jewelers in the United Kingdom alone, we are still the only Fairtrade Gold jewelers in the entire United States,” said president Mark Choyt in a statement. 

“We produce our entire two-tone line and much of our bridal collection in Fairtrade Gold. This supports local economies, alleviates poverty and reduces global mercury contamination for small-scale gold producers.”

Environmental activism is a cause close to Choyt’s heart.

Choyt began an ethical jewelry blog in 2006, which transformed into Fair Jewelry Action, a human rights and environmental justice network that was active between 2010 and 2015.

In 2018, Choyt published “Ethical Jewelry Exposé: Lies, Damn Lies, and Conflict Free Diamonds,” which covers the author’s perspective on the responsible and ethical jewelry movement in North America.

Choyt is a freelance writer for trade magazines as well as an anti-mining activist and an advocate for indegenous miners’ rights.
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Accredited Gemologists Association logo
SourcingMar 29, 2024
AGA Brings Back Scholarship, Research Grant

Scholarship applications are being accepted now, and the window for the grant will open in May.

Emerald Slinkee Drops earrings
EditorsMar 29, 2024
Piece of the Week: Boochier’s ‘Slinkee Drops’ Earrings

The emerald earrings reference objects from designer Melinda Zeman’s childhood.

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

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.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

×

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