Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2021
WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education FundSourcingMay 27, 2021
WJA Foundation to Air Documentary, Director Q&A on Gold Mining
“River of Gold” covers destructive and illegal gold mining in the Amazon.
One of the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation goals is to strengthen education around sustainability and responsible sourcing.
New York—A new documentary charts the destructiveness of gold mining in the Amazon, and the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation is making it available to the industry.
On June 3, the WJA Foundation will host a free, private online screening of “River of Gold.”
The film shows how illegal gold mining creates “apocalyptic destruction” of the Amazon rainforest. The documentary’s trailer can be viewed online.
In addition to the foundation, Amazon Aid Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths are presenting the film.
Afterward, the screening will turn to a livestream Q&A with “River of Gold” Co-Director Sarah duPont; WJA Foundation President Brandee Dallow; sustainable business strategist Christina Miller; and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and co-author of the book “Dirty Gold,” Nicholas Nehamas.
They’ll touch on mining in the Amazon, opportunities for responsible sourcing and how to create positive industry change.
The WJA Foundation was created as a separate charitable organization from WJA to promote education and business opportunities for women in the industry to reach their full potential. The foundation recently announced a specific Sustainability Education Fund.
Related stories will be right here …
On June 3, the WJA Foundation will host a free, private online screening of “River of Gold.”
The film shows how illegal gold mining creates “apocalyptic destruction” of the Amazon rainforest. The documentary’s trailer can be viewed online.
In addition to the foundation, Amazon Aid Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths are presenting the film.
Afterward, the screening will turn to a livestream Q&A with “River of Gold” Co-Director Sarah duPont; WJA Foundation President Brandee Dallow; sustainable business strategist Christina Miller; and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and co-author of the book “Dirty Gold,” Nicholas Nehamas.
They’ll touch on mining in the Amazon, opportunities for responsible sourcing and how to create positive industry change.
The WJA Foundation was created as a separate charitable organization from WJA to promote education and business opportunities for women in the industry to reach their full potential. The foundation recently announced a specific Sustainability Education Fund.
Amazon Aid Foundation, meanwhile, spurs action to protect the Amazon rainforest through various mediums, including science, multimedia and film. “River of Gold” co-director duPont is the founder of Amazon Aid Foundation.
“Our aim with ‘River of Gold’ is to show the impact of illicit and unregulated gold mining in order to inspire change,” she said.
“It’s only through a collaborative process with incredible organizations like WJA Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths that industry transformation will happen. We are honored to present the film at this special event.”
Ethical Metalsmiths connects and educates buyers, jewelers, designers, and suppliers united by a desire for responsible sourcing opportunities. The organization will donate five copies of “Dirty Gold” to five film screening attendees.
Registration is free and can be done online.
WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas commented, “WJA Foundation is pleased to kick-off our Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund with a private free screening of ‘River of Gold.’
“We are thrilled to partner with leading organizations, including Amazon Aid Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths, to provide WJA members with access to educational materials, insights and resources on responsible sourcing practices. A portion of donations from this event will go directly toward funding education scholarships to advance best practices in our industry.”
“Our aim with ‘River of Gold’ is to show the impact of illicit and unregulated gold mining in order to inspire change,” she said.
“It’s only through a collaborative process with incredible organizations like WJA Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths that industry transformation will happen. We are honored to present the film at this special event.”
Ethical Metalsmiths connects and educates buyers, jewelers, designers, and suppliers united by a desire for responsible sourcing opportunities. The organization will donate five copies of “Dirty Gold” to five film screening attendees.
Registration is free and can be done online.
WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas commented, “WJA Foundation is pleased to kick-off our Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund with a private free screening of ‘River of Gold.’
“We are thrilled to partner with leading organizations, including Amazon Aid Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths, to provide WJA members with access to educational materials, insights and resources on responsible sourcing practices. A portion of donations from this event will go directly toward funding education scholarships to advance best practices in our industry.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
