MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
EditorsJan 24, 2020
The Jewelry Glossary Project Is Live
Ten definitions related to sourcing are available for use. Here’s why the group behind the glossary will keep revising it.
Last year I came back from Tucson with a few observations, one of which was the increasing importance of the industry getting on the same page when it comes to key words used in conversations about sourcing.
What do we actually mean when we say ethical? Conflict? Recycled?
I later found out about a working group aiming to do just that—create a set of industry-accepted definitions for supply chain-related words.
Jewelry designer Emily Phillippy reached out after Tucson, and our conversation led to my blog post highlighting what the group is doing, including the survey they had deployed to gain feedback on the 10 definitions they were devising.
I now wanted to come back to the topic with a quick follow-up: The Jewelry Glossary Project is live.
The goal of the glossary, according to its website, is to create these shared definitions for use by the trade and the public. The group that has been working behind the scenes on the project for more than three years is comprised of jewelry designers, gemstone wholesalers, goldsmiths, educators and experts in the sector.
They’ve defined: ethical, conflict-free diamond, recycled, sustainability, Fair Trade Certified versus Fairtrade, and a handful of other terms, as they apply to the context of jewelry.
Visit the site, and check out the definitions.
If you have feedback or thoughts, reach out to the group at jewelryglossaryproject@gmail.com; they emphasize that the glossary is a work in progress.
Emily recently told me they are revising as they see fit and will release new versions regularly. Each version will be labeled as PDFs on the website so the history of each definition can be followed.
She added the group is currently revisiting a few of the definitions that received the most feedback from the survey and will be releasing those changes soon
They also hope to eventually add more definitions to the list.
For those traveling to Tucson in the coming weeks interested in learning more, the project will have a presence via participating gem show exhibitors and attendees, which will have Jewelry Glossary Project stickers with them.
The hope is people will stick them on their badges to help raise awareness.
Stickers will be at the following booths or with the following confirmed participants:
--Perpetuum Jewels, Ethical Gem Fair and Booth 2010 at GJX;
--Columbia Gem House, Ethical Gem Fair, Booth 1117 at AGTA GemFair and Booth R 158 at the Pueblo show;
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
--Third Coast Gems, walking around AGTA;
--Diamondoodles, walking around AGTA;
--Gemology Geek, walking around AGTA;
--Robert Bentley Co., Ethical Gem Fair and Booth 322 at AGTA; and
--Enji Studio Jewelry, Booth DC3 at JCK Tucson.
The vendors/attendees also will have lists of the definitions with them for anyone who may want a hard copy.
--Diamondoodles, walking around AGTA;
--Gemology Geek, walking around AGTA;
--Robert Bentley Co., Ethical Gem Fair and Booth 322 at AGTA; and
--Enji Studio Jewelry, Booth DC3 at JCK Tucson.
The vendors/attendees also will have lists of the definitions with them for anyone who may want a hard copy.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
