Trends

Monica Rich Kosann Becomes Certified B Corporation

TrendsSep 14, 2020

Monica Rich Kosann Becomes Certified B Corporation

The designation is awarded to socially and environmentally friendly companies.

20200914_MRK-1.jpg
Monica Rich Kosann’s “Sun, Moon and Stars Gate Locket” in 18-karat gold with diamonds is new for fall. The company is now a Certified B Corporation, a designation awarded to socially and environmentally friendly companies.

New York—A third party can now assure customers their money is well spent with Monica Rich Kosann.

The jewelry design company is now a Certified B Corporation. The designation is awarded to socially and environmentally friendly companies.

According to Certified B, “Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

“B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”

Currently, there are 3,522 Certified B companies across 150 industries in 74 countries. Some of the most well-known are Vermont ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s and social media company Hootsuite.

Monica Rich Kosann (MRK) CEO Rod Kosann explained that receiving the B Corp designation through B Labs “was a long process” that took more than a year and evaluated five areas: governance, workers, customers, environment and community.

Being a B Corp company means continuous evaluation and improving upon business practices, Kosann explained.

Currently, some examples of the brand’s social and environmental considerations include working with vetted manufacturing partners, including many precious metals suppliers that are also members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Additionally, more than half of the gold the company uses is recycled.

On the packaging front, MRK utilizes 70 percent recycled cardboard packaging for jewelry boxes and 100 percent Sustainable Forestry Initiative-certified tissue paper.

The company’s UPS Ground Shipping is conducted through their carbon offset program, which supports verified emission reduction projects around the world.

When it comes to battling gender inequality in the workplace, 92 percent of the MRK team are women, with all business managers other than the CEO being women.

Through the years, MRK has raised money for several charitable organizations through its Monica Cares initiative. Recent efforts have benefitted front line health care workers, Blessings in a Backpack, Embrace Race, and the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.

A current selection of specially designed jewels from the Poesy Ring Collection donate more than 50 percent of proceeds to partner organizations North Shore Animal League America and Women in Need.

MRK will undergo an additional review process to maintain its B Certification every three years.


Amber Vittoria x Monica Rich Kosann “Unity” illustration and ring

Meanwhile, on the design front, the company recently partnered with fellow New York City-based artist and illustrator Amber Vittoria on three commissioned illustrations inspired by

three MRK “Poesy” stacking ring styles.

“I have always admired the strength, bold use of color and graphic artistry of Amber Vittoria’s illustrations,” the designer Kosann said.

The Poesy rings range in price from $48 for silver versions and $2,345 for 18-karat gold with diamond and gemstone iterations. Half of the proceeds from one of the designs, the “Unity” ring, will benefit organization Embrace Race.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

Isabel Delgado aquamarine earrings
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Aquatopia

These aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.

AGTA Innovative Design Award
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for Spectrum

The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.

Nena Mensah and Sofia Carson at 2026 Actor Awards
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour

Diamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.

Person pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in February

Consumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.

Rebecca Foerster
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual Luncheon

Foerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.

JFC facets 2026
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees

Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

Savannah College of Art and Design Bench Jeweler
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and Design

A 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.

Renato Cipullo Splendente R Stone Letter Pendant
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into Hardstones

The “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”

Lady Wardington and diamond clip brooch
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry

The jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale

The update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy