SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
Events & AwardsSep 06, 2019
Here’s What’s on Tap for Chicago Responsibility Conf. 2019
The event is slated for Oct. 25 and 26 at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema on South Wabash Avenue.
Chicago—The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference is returning with a new lineup of speakers, offering sessions on gold mining, single sourcing gemstones, indigenous management of mineral rights and more.
The event is slated for Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26 at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema on South Wabash Avenue.
A Responsible Gem Boutique is also lined up for the day before, Oct. 24, at the nearby Jeweler’s Row main building, where attendees can meet single-source providers and distributors of colored gemstones from around the world.
While some details, like the keynote presentation, are still being finalized, there are plenty of interesting talks confirmed for the 2019 event.
On the morning of Oct. 25, journalist Paul Tullis and Brian Cook of Nature’s Geometry will speak on “Global Mining and Deforestation,” offering a look at the impacts of deforestation and the new model for forest-safe mining.
This will be followed by a session from Perry Gottesfeld of nonprofit Occupational Health at Knowledge International (OK International) called “Public Health Impacts of the Jewelry Supply Chain: Challenges & Solutions,” educating attendees about the risks associated with common health hazards in the jewelry supply chain and successful pilot intervention programs reducing exposure in small-scale mining and gem cutting.
That same day, there will be a panel on “Illegal Gold: Where It’s Coming from and Impacts to Society and Your Supply Chain,” moderated by Brad Brooks-Rubin of Enough and featuring panelists Angel Camacho of the FBI, Alyssa Newman of Google Earth and Betsy Orlando from the U.S. State Department.
Friday also will include a screening—and the U.S. premiere—of “The Shadow of Gold” in the afternoon. Filmed in China, Peru, Canada, the U.S., London, Dubai, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the two-part documentary looks at the impact of gold mining and the gold trade on the economy, environment and conflicts.
Saturday, Oct. 26 will get going with a jewelry design panel moderated by the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Brandee Dallow and designer panelists Meri Geraldine and Dana Bronfman.
RELATED CONTENT: CRJC Partners with Kenyan Gem and Jewelry SuppliersThe day will also feature such sessions as “The State of the Cottage Cutting Industry in India,” in which Jagdish Patel of the People’s Training & Research Center and Jo Becker of Human Rights Watch will talk about the working conditions of the country’s industry.
“Mine to Market: Single Source for Colored Gemstones and Gold,” featuring
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House, Moyo Gems, Anza Gems, Fairmined Gold and the Association of Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya, will teach attendees how and why they should create single-source supply chains for colored stones and gold.
There will also be a conversation with the chiefs of the Paiter-Surui Tribe regarding indigenous management of mineral rights.
The conference will close with a cocktail party on the evening of Oct. 26 at Chicago retailer Steve Quick Jeweler.
For more information or to register, visit ResponsibleJewelryConference.com.
There will also be a conversation with the chiefs of the Paiter-Surui Tribe regarding indigenous management of mineral rights.
The conference will close with a cocktail party on the evening of Oct. 26 at Chicago retailer Steve Quick Jeweler.
For more information or to register, visit ResponsibleJewelryConference.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
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.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
