Jewelry: between beautiful to look at and beautiful at source
The jewelry industry counts today approximate $148 billion, is notoriously difficult to regulate and latest UN estimations tell us that over 5 million women and children are employed illegally in mines around the globe. In addition, severe ecological ramifications add on, due to over 20,000 tonnes of mercury estimated to be released illegally into the environment every year within the global artisanal and small-scale mining eco-system.
To raise awareness of these issues and stimulate a dialogue on sustainability within the jewelry industry, in partnership with Chopard, Business of Fashion (www.businessoffashion.com) hosted a panel discussion on how the jewelry industry can adopt the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) last month, in Basel, Switzerland.
Lately, Chopard’s market leading announcement stated that it will only use ethically sourced gold in its supply chains starting July 2018. “We have to spread the message that it is possible to do our business in a different way. Because if the consumers begin to ask more, then the companies are obliged to do it and the countries are obliged to follow,” said Chopard co-president Caroline Scheufele (according BoF march 2018).
As is one of the first time that sustainable sourcing is tackled by a big and longeviv player in one of most complex industries, the panel discussion covered topics such as child labor, transparency of supply chain, current legislation needs and few others.
Would you still buy a piece of jewelry if you would know that its creation led to abuse, illness, poverty? Here's the time to reflect upon.
Have a look and watch the full discussion below.
Enjoy!
