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RAPAPORT... Jewelers of America (JA) and the National Retail Federation (NRF) will cohost a discussion on the values associated with responsible sourcing of gold, particularly from areas such as the Great Lakes region of Africa. The discussion is scheduled during the JA NY summer jewelry show, on July 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Javits in room ID104. Jennifer Peyser, RESOLVE's senior mediator, will facilitate the discussion and Holly Dranginis, the policy associate for the Enough Project, will address opportunities to further build responsible sourcing. Signet Jewelers Ltd. has sponsored the event along with industry support from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, MJSA and the Association for Jewelry Makers and Designers.
"Gold and other minerals have been known to fuel unspeakable violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the surrounding region, when mined and traded illegally by armed groups who use them to finance their activities," said Dranginis. "Jewelry companies have a major role to play in curbing that violence and improving the conditions for peace by developing responsible sourcing practices." David Bonaparte, JA's president, added, “The success of the U.S. jewelry industry depends on consumer confidence in the products our members sell. Jewelers of America believes one way for the jewelry industry to inspire consumer confidence is through the responsible sourcing of gold.” Jon Gold, the vice president of NRF's supply chain and customs policy department, said, “Responsible sourcing is an important process for retailers to satisfy their customers’ expectations. NRF believes this discussion is a great way to further educate retailers on engagement in responsible sourcing.” Seating for the event is limited and organizers requested that guests RSVP online before July 21.
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