On Friday, October 18, MJSA interviewed Susan Wheeler about responsible jewelry supply chains,  building trust, and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference. 

Here are the podcast highlights:

• • 3:00 - Logistical challenges involving the 2019 Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference
  • 3:32 - Susan’s journey into responsible jewelry 
  • 5:25 - The origins of the CRJC
  • 7:05 - Achieving broad participation at the conference, representing all affected communities
  • 8:52 - The global reach of the jewelry industry, environmental concerns regarding deforestation and mining
  • 11:27 - CRJC and industry goals, gold concerns, UN Sustainable Goals
  • 13:52 - The importance of connection and collaboration to effect change. 
  • 14:32 - Moyo Gems/Tanzanian Womens Miners Association
  • 15:30 - What the industry is getting right, importance of industry-wide transparency and communication
  • 16:25 - Consumer awareness surrounding responsible sourcing 
  • 18:01 - Initiatives to improve gemstones sourcing, third-party tracing and certifications
  • 23:39 - Current options and tips for obtaining trustworthy responsible gems
  • 25:50 - Supplier efforts to improve traceability 
  • 26:45 - Forming your own direct connections with mines and other gem sources
  • 28:26 - The responsible sourcing challenges still facing the industry and related communities

Listen here: https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/11696783/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/ed8d26/