On the 23rd of June, a groundbreaking collaboration between The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), The Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University (MGMH), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will take place at Harvard University. This historic event, known as the ‘State of the Art Jewelry Summit,’ brings together three esteemed thought leaders to delve into the industry’s challenges, opportunities, and future of responsible practices.
Photos – courtesy of The Responsible Jewellery Council © Metamorphosis (brooch) by Wallace Chan.
The summit will explore the profound impact of climate change on the jewellery supply chain, the influence of technology on business strategies, and the evolving expectations of consumers. Through panel discussions and presentations, distinguished global experts, academics, and artists will share their valuable insights into the significance and appeal of responsible jewellery. The topics of human rights, risk, and conflict will also feature prominently, culminating in a session led by the Young Diamantaires, who will provide their perspectives on the industry’s future as inheritors.
Winner of the Tanzanite Foundation’s Tanzanite Celebration of Life Jewelry Design Awards 2006, in the Rising Star category. Created by Arabel Lebrusan from the United Kingdom.
Chivor mining area. Emerald producing region in Boyaca State, Colombia. Eastern Cordillera of the Andes.
At the helm of the summit are three influential women thought leaders: Melanie Grant, Executive Director of RJC; Susan Jacques, President, and CEO of GIA; and Raquel Alonso-Perez, Ph.D., Curatrix at MGMH, Harvard University. The speaker lineup is a remarkable blend of trailblazers, ranging from renowned jeweller, artist, and inventor Wallace Chan to Eira Thomas, President, and CEO of Lucara Diamond, as well as Professor Dan Schrag, an expert in Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard, who will deliver the keynote address.
Dreams of Diamonds exhibit. Diamond Tiara – 3,429 diamonds: 50.28 tcw; 18K Rose gold.
Dreams of Diamonds exhibit Diamond Earrings – Diamonds: 24.60tcw; Red 18K gold.
Small scale mine visits in Tanzania 2019 to distribute the miner’s guide developed by GIA. These giraffes were spotted on the way to Longido, a ruby mining district in Northern Tanzania.
During the summit, RJC will unveil its pioneering ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) toolkit, which will be freely accessible to all participants. This toolkit serves as a blueprint for integrating responsible practices into jewellery businesses worldwide. By bringing together all sectors of the gem and jewellery industry, the summit aims to shape a collective approach and foster a deeper understanding of responsible jewellery. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, brainstorm, and learn from present and future leaders within the esteemed Harvard University, one of the world’s foremost learning centres.
Created by Charlotte Ehinger Schwarz, 1876.
Mount Meru in the background.
2012 GIA Laboratory Bangkok Field Expedition Morogoro and Mahenge, Tanzania for ruby and spinel.
September 2012 GIA Laboratory Bangkok Field Expedition (FE39) to the Kagem Emerald Mine near Kafubu area, Zambia. Emerald rough sorting.
