Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Highlights Ethical Consumption
By Jerome McDonnell

Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Highlights Ethical Consumption
By Jerome McDonnell
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Ever since the “blood diamond ” controversies of the late 90’s, the jewelry industry has faced increased scrutiny over ethics and sustainability. Progress has been slow and uneven. While the number of illegally mined diamonds is significantly down, the prevalence of illegal gold mines is shocking. In Peru alone, illegal gold mines are a three-billion dollar a year industry that ravages the country’s rainforests and exploits countless thousands of people. TheChicago Responsible Jewelry Conference will explore all points in the supply chain. We’ll talk with the conference’s founder, Susan Wheeler, about her vision of a jewelry industry that can have a positive impact on emerging economies.