Fair Trade Jewelry

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I was reading the January 2008 issue of JCK Magazine when I came across a short article about the Democratic Presidential candidates and diamonds. Having already heard about the diamonds or pearls question asked of Hillary Clinton I expected another humorous fluff piece. But when I read the article I noticed something else, something that got no press when it happened, and only rated a few lines in the already short JCK article.

In October candidate John Edwards was asked by 16 year old Marie Collins. “If you were to become president, what actions would you take to stem the flow of conflict diamonds into our country?” When Marie repeated “conflict diamonds” Mr. Edwards said, “I don’t even know what that term is.”

Ms. Collins went on to say “Like blood diamonds, from Africa.”

“Boy you guys really have your own things don’t you? Can I tell you that I have had probably hundreds of town hall meetings, I have literally never been asked that question. Or had the issue raised.”, said Edwards. To Mr. Edwards’ credit he didn’t stumble in to the typical politician dance routine and answered honestly that he had no idea what she was talking about so he could not answer her honestly.

I think, however, that this one small exchange illustrates two important points.

The first point is the apparent; lack of understanding on Ms. Collins part at just how far the industry as a whole has come in trying to correct the abuses of the past. With the way news is reported in the main stream press, and how movies presented as current fact yet based loosely on events from more than a decade ago, who can really blame her?

The second point, and the more important I think, is the fact that once you climb above a certain level in politics you can no longer expect someone to know, or in some cases even care, about all of the things that we find important, even relatively large issues such as stemming the flow of conflict diamonds.

Looking to detached global leaders, even honest ones, to help make these changes happen is rarely the best option available. The proper place for change is where it has always been, at the grass roots level. With small groups and individual industry leaders taking a stand and deciding that a change is needed. Efforts like the Kimberly Process, Fair Trade and ethically sourced jewelry, and development programs aimed at supporting the small artisan miner or dealing with the issues of Burma are the solution to making the proper changes.

Steve Gerencser
Images Jewelers
www.imagesjewelers.com

Steve Gerencser
B.A. Architecture
New Approach School for Jewelers
National Horological Academy

Steve has been in the jewelry industry for 5 years now. His architectural and graphic design background brings a new approach to jewelry design. Using the latest technology in 3D design, with unique design ideas, he helps Bob Klose and Steve Lennox create our own custom jewelry. Steve is also a bench jeweler and manages our internet presence. www.imagesontheweb.net/people.html

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