What current issues have arisen from ethical jewellery and could affect its future?
Marc: Once large players with huge resources begin to get involved, they will shape the market according to their own watered down standards. We see this taking place with Wal-Mart’s “Love Earth” jewellery line, where loving the earth is associated with massive strip mining. It is really quite Orwellian. But in the most general sense, the big issue is that the supply chains are going to be examined. It is very, very difficult for a manufacturer to change their supply chain. Supply chain practices have been very secret. When one really gets down to it, the sector as a whole is quite vulnerable which is why some of its leaders have been tackling these issues. Alex: How could the general public become more aware of Ethical Jewellery and current problems in the manufacturing and mining of precious metals? Marc: At present, there are not a lot of resources. Public education is a critical part of this entire process. The trade press is beginning to pay attention, and we do see some stories i
