The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conf. Goes Virtual Next Week
Slated for Nov. 9-13, the all-digital event also features a pay-what-you-can ticket scheme for 2020.

Chicago—The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, like so many events this year, will move to an all-digital format for 2020.
The event is slated for Nov. 9-13. This year, organizers have also introduced a pay-what-you-can ticket scheme to encourage involvement from members of the industry.
The conference will start with a Responsible Gem Fair on the first day, in which eight organizations focused on responsible mining and social issues will share their stories and present the opportunity to buy gemstones directly from them.
This will be followed by four days of speakers.
Topic highlights include sustainable development goals for artisanal mining, the issues that still need to be addressed in large scale diamond mining, adding value in source countries, indigenous land rights, gender equity in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, responsible design, and more.
Presenters include such government and international organizations as the U.S. State Department and the United Nations, as well as NGOs and advocacy groups like Pact, Impact, Amazon Aid Foundation, the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, Human Rights Watch, the Kimberley Process Civil Society, and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association.
There will also be sessions from jewelry associations and organizations; miners, mining community representatives, and organizations representing miner rights and concerns; and several jewelry brands, designers, and gem dealers.
Additionally, Nov. 10 will include an online group screening of the documentary “Maxima,” which follows Peruvian indigenous farmer Máxima Acuña in her fight to protect her land as she takes a stand against Newmont Mining Corporation, the world’s largest gold producer.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Claudia Sparrow.
Launched in 2017, the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference aims to facilitate dialogue among participants of the industry’s supply chain and initiate action.
For more information about this year’s event or to register, visit 2020.CRJC.info.
All funds from tickets purchased will go to the Responsible Jewelry Transformative, the 501(c)(3) organization that produces the conference and supports responsible sourcing initiatives, like the virtual market connecting East African miners with buyers.
The Latest

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.


Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.























