IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
EditorsMar 25, 2019
What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Ethical’ Sourcing?
One group wants to define key supply chain terms, and they are looking to the industry for input on how to do it.
A group formed during the first Jewelry Industry Summit now wants to define key supply chain terms, like ethical, sustainability and Fairtrade, and get the industry’s feedback on them. (Photo credit: Gem Legacy)
The conversation around “responsible sourcing,” “ethical supply chains” and whatever other buzzwords you might want to use to talk about transparency in the supply chain is here to stay.
There’s a plethora of conferences, panels at trade shows and other initiatives that back that up.
Tucson 2019 was no different.
However, when I returned from this year’s trip to the desert, another element was becoming clear to me: The industry is at a point where it risks having too many different conversations and too many different meanings for these terms, possibly creating more confusion than clarity.
I ended my post-Tucson observations blog post with this point because I wanted it to stick.
Luckily for me, that article got in front of the right people. Just hours after it was published, someone working with a group to address this very issue contacted me.
Emily Phillippy, the designer behind Emily Chelsea Jewelry, has been heading up a group working to establish industry-accepted definitions for several supply chain-related words.
Joining Phillippy are Jared Holstein and Jay Moncada of diamond and colored stone wholesaler Perpetuum Jewels, Erin Daily of Brooklyn Metalworks, sustainable jewelry consultant Christina Miller and designer Olivia Suffern of Olivia Marie Handcrafted Adornment.
What started as the Education Initiative during the first Jewelry Industry Summit in 2016 evolved into the Jewelry Glossary Project after they realized they were asking themselves, Phillippy said, “How can we educate anyone if we do not even have a shared set of definitions for the terms we are using?”
RELATED CONTENT—Analysis: The State of the Colored Stone MarketSo, they shifted their focus to eliminating ambiguity in key jewelry terms.
At first the list was long, but eventually they narrowed it down to a smaller group of words they thought were “most important, most used, most relevant and usually most confusing,” Phillippy said.
Then they went to work defining them in a way that can be used across all sectors of the industry.
To do this, the group referenced common use, domestic and international legal documents, and standards pertaining to jewelry or its components.
“We spent a lot of time on each word,” Phillippy said, “then we went back and spent a lot of time again on each word.”
The biggest challenge? Keeping opinion out if of it, according to Phillipy.
“We wanted to keep them as simple as possible, but it’s really hard to simplify when
there’s so much we want to say.”
This is why the Jewelry Glossary Project group also added explanations to go along with some of the definitions, to tack on pertinent notes on usage or examples.
Now, the group wants feedback on its definitions from the trade and is doing so via a survey.
“We want these to be the industry-wide accepted definitions so that we can all communicate in the same way,” Phillippy said. “That’s our biggest goal: that we can all understand when we’re talking retailer to wholesaler, and retailer to consumer.”
The group is opening to adding to and changing the list; Phillipy said they consider it to be an “ever-changing document.”
“As times change, as meanings change, as new technology becomes available, the definitions might change as well.”
They presented their definitions at this year’s Jewelry Industry Summit, where some trade members also suggested a few other words be added to the list, including: transparency, traceability, social responsibility/corporate responsibility, economic sustainability, social sustainability and environmental sustainability.
The group hasn’t yet started defining those. For now, the focus is on the initial 10.
Eventually, they do want the glossary to live on its own website and be independent—not affiliated with any one organization—and be accessible for all businesses and trade groups to reference or share.
For now, though, the group is still working on its marketing plan, Phillipy said, and their next steps also will include figuring out how they will disseminate the glossary to the industry and consumers alike.
This is why the Jewelry Glossary Project group also added explanations to go along with some of the definitions, to tack on pertinent notes on usage or examples.
“How can we educate anyone if we do not even have a shared set of definitions for the terms we are using?”—Jewelry designer Emily PhillippySo far, the jewelry glossary defines 10 words: ethical, recycled, post-consumer recycled, pre-consumer recycled, sustainability, conflict-free diamond, Fairmined, Fairtrade, Fair Trade Certified and fair trade.
Now, the group wants feedback on its definitions from the trade and is doing so via a survey.
“We want these to be the industry-wide accepted definitions so that we can all communicate in the same way,” Phillippy said. “That’s our biggest goal: that we can all understand when we’re talking retailer to wholesaler, and retailer to consumer.”
The group is opening to adding to and changing the list; Phillipy said they consider it to be an “ever-changing document.”
“As times change, as meanings change, as new technology becomes available, the definitions might change as well.”
They presented their definitions at this year’s Jewelry Industry Summit, where some trade members also suggested a few other words be added to the list, including: transparency, traceability, social responsibility/corporate responsibility, economic sustainability, social sustainability and environmental sustainability.
The group hasn’t yet started defining those. For now, the focus is on the initial 10.
Eventually, they do want the glossary to live on its own website and be independent—not affiliated with any one organization—and be accessible for all businesses and trade groups to reference or share.
For now, though, the group is still working on its marketing plan, Phillipy said, and their next steps also will include figuring out how they will disseminate the glossary to the industry and consumers alike.
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
