HOW CAN JEWELRY CREATE POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT?
One way is choosing jewelry with responsibly sourced jewelry “ingredients”.
Responsible sourcing means gemstones or precious metals are traceable and mined in a way that supports and respects people, and their skills, as well as protects the environment - be it land or sea!
Purchasing jewelry from designers that practice responsible sourcing as much as possible is a beautiful way to “wear your values”.
Designers, like Debra Navarro, even know the individual men and WOMEN who mined her gemstones!
Many artisanal mining communities are primarily farmers who depend on part-time gemstone mining to sustain their families - and the local economy. This activity is critical in remote places where gemstones may be the only other natural resource available.
You can learn more about artisanal mining communities in East Africa in my blog post here where Adrianne Sanogo and I discuss what these communities look like. Roger Dery, a celebrated colored gemstone cutter, along with his family, Ginger and Rachel, created Gem Legacy.
Gem Legacy is a 501(C)3 that provides vocational training, equipment, and support to entrepreneurs in mining communities, enabling them to thrive.
Some of these are women entrepreneurs, such as the Precious Women Mine!
Gemstones cut by Roger Dery Gem Design benefit East African artisanal mining entrepreneurs, such as the Precious Women Mine!
Gem Legacy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works with artisanal miners in East African mining communities, some of which are owned and operated by women!
Founded by Roger, Ginger, and Rachel Dery, Gem Legacy provides vocational training, and mining equipment, as well as supports local entrepreneurship in Kenya and beyond.
JUST GIVE any amount to Gem Legacy
SHOP
DEBRA NAVARRO
As we make ethical choices with Fairtrade wine, food, and fashion, why not the gold in our jewelry?
For precious metals, Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations. It transforms mining into an active force for good, ensuring social development and environmental protection - providing everyone with a source of gold to be proud of.
Here is a comparison of recycled gold versus Fairmined gold.
I would love to help you find thoughtfully designed jewelry made by women or a responsibly sourced gemstone that aligns with your values
Join our BRILLIANT community that is all about supporting women, gemstone education, and social impact!