Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2023
IGI Partners with Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 Policies & IssuesSep 12, 2023
Pure Earth Honors Iris Van der Veken
The nonprofit is presenting the 2023 Pure Earth Impact Award to Van der Veken to recognize her environmental advocacy.
Pure Earth will present the 2023 Pure Earth Impact Award to Iris Van der Veken, secretary general of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, at a ceremony in New York City this fall.
New York—Pure Earth is recognizing industry veteran Iris Van der Veken for her environmental advocacy.
The nonprofit works to address the causes of lead and mercury pollution and exposure.
It has chosen Van der Veken as the recipient of the 2023 Pure Earth Impact Award, which is presented to “outstanding champions in climate protection, human rights and gender.”
She will be honored in a ceremony at the Pure Earth Benefit on Oct. 16 in New York City.
Van der Veken, formerly the head of the Responsible Jewellery Council, is the secretary general of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative (WJI) 2030.
Founded in 2021 by Kering and Cartier, the group focuses on creating a more sustainable watch and jewelry industry.
“Iris has been at the forefront of ESG [environmental, social, and corporate governance] reporting and United Nations Global Compact network for two decades and was the first woman to successfully lead the Responsible Jewellery Council,” said Pure Earth President Richard Fuller.
“Van der Veken can rightly be called a trailblazer, a champion, in the industry. She has started a movement that will save the lives of so many people in the watch and jewelry supply chain.”
Related stories will be right here …
The nonprofit works to address the causes of lead and mercury pollution and exposure.
It has chosen Van der Veken as the recipient of the 2023 Pure Earth Impact Award, which is presented to “outstanding champions in climate protection, human rights and gender.”
She will be honored in a ceremony at the Pure Earth Benefit on Oct. 16 in New York City.
Van der Veken, formerly the head of the Responsible Jewellery Council, is the secretary general of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative (WJI) 2030.
Founded in 2021 by Kering and Cartier, the group focuses on creating a more sustainable watch and jewelry industry.
“Iris has been at the forefront of ESG [environmental, social, and corporate governance] reporting and United Nations Global Compact network for two decades and was the first woman to successfully lead the Responsible Jewellery Council,” said Pure Earth President Richard Fuller.
“Van der Veken can rightly be called a trailblazer, a champion, in the industry. She has started a movement that will save the lives of so many people in the watch and jewelry supply chain.”
The watch and jewelry industries participation in Pure Earth’s cause is vital to eliminating mercury pollution and poisoning, said Pure Earth, noting that much of the mercury in the environment comes from artisanal and small-scale gold mining, which supplies about a quarter of the world's gold.
Mercury contaminates rivers and oceans, as well as fish, which can affect the global food chain, said the organization.
The nonprofit has been working with the jewelry industry to train miners in mercury-free techniques.
“I am deeply honored to receive this Impact award from Pure Earth,” said Van der Veken.
“The jewelry industry is an important part of the climate solution and the work Pure Earth is doing to reduce global mercury emissions by championing responsible, mercury-free gold mining practices, that includes the reforestation of damaged land. We all have a shared responsibility in leaving no one behind.”
Sustainability is a journey, said Van der Veken, and requires corporate leadership advocacy and a level of involvement throughout the supply chain to make a positive impact.
“I would like to dedicate this award to everyone in our industry, from mining to retail, that advances the 2030 agenda forward,” she said.
Previous winners of this award include Beth Gerstein, the co-founder and CEO Brilliant Earth, which is working with the nonprofit to test and establish the first mercury-free gold supply chain from the Peruvian Amazon.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
