It’s been in the news over the last week or so that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has been choosing to wear jewellery brands that use ethical materials and have sustainable business practices. However, if you’ve looked into it you’ll know that this is not as straightforward to do as you would hope. There’s so much to think about including mining practices and their environmental and workforce effects; the mining of precious metals; the use of chemicals in the workshop and so much more. This is why we have been working with expert Stuart Pool to create a new one-day course in Ethical Jewellery especially for our students. The course is designed primarily for jewellery business owners who want to feel more informed about their ethical options but is open to all with an interest in the subject.
What is covered in the course?
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Industry issues and why we need responsible sourcing of metals and gemstones
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Gold & silver – Fairtrade & Fairmined options
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Diamonds & gemstones – including sourcing options and buying tips, mining and the journey of the gemstone, man-made stones
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Your workplace – what you can do in your own space to be more ethical
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And more!
This intensive one day workshop will be taught for 8 students as a maximum, ensuring you have time to discuss your business and get specific advice from Stuart. You will receive a certificate of completion in Ethical Jewellery at the end of the workshop.
Who is the guest tutor?
Stuart Pool is a specialist in responsibly mined and fully traceable coloured gemstones, mainly sourced directly from mines in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. He runs gem trading companies Nineteen48 (www.nineteen48.com), Rubyfair (www.rubyfair.com) and Crown Gems, as well as being a co-founder of Fair Luxury (www.fairlux.co.uk), a group focused on positive change in the jewellery industry.
Stuart works very closely with local mine owners to provide a mine-to-market service, from extracting the rough gem material and the cutting and polishing of gemstones, right up to the sale of gems to the end customer, both wholesale and retail. The emphasis throughout the supply chain is on maximum transparency and fair benefits to everyone involved.
Stuart’s companies support charitable projects in both Sri Lanka and the UK and he is also committed to educating the widest possible audience about the issues within the jewellery sector. He is supportive of many initiatives and programmes within the industry which are trying to improve conditions and benefits for those involved in all stages of the supply chains for diamonds, precious metals and coloured gems.
As Stuart is busy with his own work we currently only have two dates available for this course in 2019 and half the places are now gone for the February course so don’t wait to enrol.
Who knows who will choose your jewellery if you create an ethical jewellery brand. Maybe royalty.
