CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
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 SuppliersThe 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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
