EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
SourcingNov 30, 2020
These 3 Companies Want to Help the Trade Be ‘Ethical in Action’
The initiative’s inaugural project is a design challenge culminating in an auction to benefit three organizations focused on justice and equity in the industry.
The @ethical_in_action Instagram account has launched a bracket-style design competition that will end in an auction to benefit three organizations fighting for the rights of those working in gems and jewelry.
Vancouver, Wash.—A new initiative aims to educate industry businesses on responsible practices, and the mission of its first project is to address some negative aspects of the trade.
At the beginning of the summer, Susan Fauman, owner of and metalsmith behind Susan Fauman Jewelry, was diving deeper into how she could be more responsible in her business.
She reached out to Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House, a leader in the area who has made it a focus of his business for decades, with questions.
After hours of picking his brain and learning from his insights into advocating for human rights and safe working conditions, the discussion led to many more with Sabrina Hoffman, maker and owner of Dally + Toil.
Together, Fauman and Hoffman created a plan to raise awareness both in the industry and among consumers about the problems that exist in the world of gems and jewelry.
What resulted was the Instagram account @ethical_in_action, designed to be a space to learn about ethical and responsible practices and materials.
They also created the initiative’s inaugural project—a design challenge that will culminate in an auction to benefit three organizations focused on justice and equity in the jewelry industry.
They enlisted 25 designers, who have donated their time and metalsmithing skills to the cause.
Washington-based Columbia Gem House also got in on the project, providing gemstones to the participating designers. Everyone received a turquoise and chalcedony accent stone (as seen in the post below) as well as a variation on the sapphire slice.
(The Instagram caption also includes the list of participating metalsmiths.)
The minimum requirement was to use the sapphire slice.
Starting on Thanksgiving, the initiative held a “battle-style bracket vote” through Columbia Gem House’s Instagram account.
They started by posting everyone’s pieces that day, followed by the first head-to-head on Friday during which followers voted through the poll feature in Instagram Stories.
Votes were held again Saturday and Sunday, with the latter resulting in one winner and two runners up.
The winners will be announced on the Columbia Gem House page today (Nov. 30).
The winner will receive a $250 gift card to Columbia Gem House and two runners-up will each get $100 gift cards.
Tomorrow (Dec. 1), which is Giving Tuesday, the creations will be posted on @ethical_in_action along with information and backstories of both the pieces and the designers behind them.
The auction will follow
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
on the account from Dec. 4-6.
The three organizations benefitting from Ethical in Action will be We Wield the Hammer, a metalsmithing program for women and girls of African descent; the Peoples Training and Research Center, an organization focused on improving worker health and safety in India; and the Bonded Labour Liberation Front, which works toward the total eradication of bonded labor, injustice, illiteracy, inequality and poverty in South Asia.
The three organizations benefitting from Ethical in Action will be We Wield the Hammer, a metalsmithing program for women and girls of African descent; the Peoples Training and Research Center, an organization focused on improving worker health and safety in India; and the Bonded Labour Liberation Front, which works toward the total eradication of bonded labor, injustice, illiteracy, inequality and poverty in South Asia.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
