A consortium of gemstone dealers, the Ethical Gemstone Suppliers group is dedicated to transparency and responsible sourcing in the gemstone supply chain. Each member works in various ways to be responsible, including:
Supporting artisanal miners and their communities.
Providing gemstones with verifiable origins and full traceability.
Committing to fair pay and fair treatment for everyone involved in the supply chain.
Adhering to clear and responsible environmental policies.
Promoting health and safety at mine sites.
Supplying SCS-certified recycled diamonds and gemstones.
Jewellery designers and retailers are invited to see and learn about the gemstones and chat with the members about sourcing and traceability stories.
This event is for the jewellery trade only, and is free to attend.
Thursday Sessions
Welcome Session: What is an Ethical Gemstone?
Jun 10, 2021 • 07:00 AM - 07:55 AM (PDT) • 55 min
Join the members of Ethical Gem Suppliers as we kick off our second virtual event. Meet the players, learn what to expect, and get ready to start shopping for responsible gems!
Can Mining Be Environmentally Neutral?
Jun 10, 2021 • 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM (PDT) • 30 min
Moderator Susan Wheeler asks this question and invites discussion among gem suppliers Ian Bone, Stuart Pool, and Brian Cook, all of whom approach mining with environmental sensitivity in varied regions.
Let's talk About Recycled Diamonds and Gemstones
Jun 10, 2021 • 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM (PDT) • 30 min
Quendi Cook in conversation with Jay Moncada about the nuances behind the term "recycled" as it applies to gemstones, what certifications are available, and what they mean for designers and retailers looking to incorporate them.
What About Cutting? Supporting Ethical Faceting/Polishing
Jun 10, 2021 • 03:35 PM - 04:00 PM (PDT) • 25 min
Often overlooked, faceting and polishing of gemstones is an important area of consideration when evaluating gem suppliers and their approach to a responsible supply chain.
What I Learned at the Mines...
Jun 10, 2021 • 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM (PDT) • 30 min
Speakers:Monica Stephenson, Hewan Zewdi, Susan Wheeler
Friday Sessions
Sourcing Gemstones from Australia and Ethiopia
Jun 11, 2021 • 07:00 AM - 07:30 AM (PDT) • 30 min
Gemstone mining does not look the same the world over. Come find out more about the varieties of artisanal and small scale mines in two very different regions of Australia and Ethiopia
Models for an Ethical/Responsible Gem Business: Moyo, Virtu Gem, and Columbia Gem House
Jun 11, 2021 • 07:35 AM - 08:00 AM (PDT) • 25 min
Curious about the details of responsible gem sourcing initiatives? Find out more about programs that are about supporting and sustaining mining communities.
Can Lab Grown Diamonds Sustain Themselves?
Jun 11, 2021 • 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM (PDT) • 30 min
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds sustain a path beyond the fad and within ethical sourcing options?
Is Transparency and Traceability the Whole Story?
Jun 11, 2021 • 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM (PDT) • 30 min
Transparency and traceability in the gemstone supply chain is the holy grail, but there is more to consider in a holistic sourcing approach as these suppliers will share in their own experiences.
Beyond the Mine | Educating Consumers on Ethical Choices
Jun 11, 2021 • 03:35 PM - 04:00 PM (PDT) • 25 min
Educating Consumers on Ethical Choices; Why it is critical that retailers and those at the end of a gem's journey are able to create demand for, as well as educate and communicate trust and transparency to the consumer.
Community Development | Education & Building Sustainable Mining Communities
Jun 11, 2021 • 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM (PDT) • 30 min
Suppliers share a few ways to support the most critical - and vulnerable - part of the supply chain in ways that develop participation and empowerment.
Saturday Sessions
How Do I Buy an Ethical Gem?
Jun 12, 2021 • 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (PDT) • 60 min
Practical advice and tips for navigating suppliers and claims in the global gemstone market.
Ask Me Anything
Jun 12, 2021 • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (PDT) • 60 min
Come with your questions and thoughts to help us conclude our Ethical Gem Fair!
