2023 Perspectives: Past Informs the Present
The content of this article reflects the views of the writer, and not necessarily those of Ethical Metalsmiths. This article was written for The Source.
“If those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, what might be the fate of those who pause to reflect on the year gone by?”
There is much to learn from where our attention has recently been, even as we focus on actionable directives for the future.
The global gem and jewelry industry faces far more questions than answers about how we shape and define ourselves, and the unique conversations we have in this space are ripe with valuable wisdom.
Here are five thoughts for the coming year – not so much foresight as insight, allowing the topics of yesterday to inform us for tomorrow.
1. “Ethics” is a top industry buzzword, from how we define it to how far we can honestly go to promote it. But as economic and social unrest stirs unease in consumers, our collective attention may drift away from solving critical supply chain issues and focus instead on how to simply survive as businesses.
Reread recommendations:
Pricing – The Hardest Part?, Christina Malle
Starting a Jewelry Business?, Christina Malle
2. Even if some scrutiny is diverted toward strictly practical matters, many will choose not to abandon the work already in progress to address the jewelry industry’s many social and environmental concerns. After gaining ground in the recent past, those with the ability (and funding) to do so will not easily forfeit the sustainability battleground.
Reread recommendations:
The Enemy of the Better, Kyle Abrahams Bi
Brad Brooks-Rubin on the Kimberley Process and Sustainable Development, Chloe Pflug
3. In times of success, trade organizations and education act as conduits for socializing, travel, and financial opportunities. As uncertainty becomes the prevailing attitude, these same outlets will take on the critical role of bolstering networks and connecting people in need of work with operations in need of people. An increased interest in new skill acquisition, stronger connections, and a more curated network are all likely this year.
Reread recommendations:
First Takeaways from EM Industry Survey, Chloe Pflug
How Do We Keep Teaching, Learning, Making?, Andy Lowrie
4. It’s time to build the diverse and inclusive industry we need: leaving behind entire demographics is not only an obvious mistake, it could become a costly one as skilled labor shortages emerge in an economy that tightens around luxury spending. We can not afford to shut out the very people who will form our brightest future.
Reread recommendations:
How The Jewelry Industry Is Mobilizing To Stamp Out Racism, Kate Matthams, originally in Forbes
Disability Does Not Denote Inability, Maria Doulton, originally on Only Natural Diamonds
5. Crystal ball gazing (with a flawless, gem-quality quartz of course) has long been a retail jeweler’s hobby. While it’s easy to predict larger consumer fashion trends thanks to Pantone colors and preseason lookbooks, consumer behavior in jewelry buying is as murky to forecast as ever. What have retailers done – and what else can they do – to meet new and perhaps unknown demands? Perhaps some past examples can light the way.
Reread recommendations:
Can We Trust Social Media Marketing?, Niki Grandics
How One Small Retailer Is Tackling Responsible Gold Sourcing, Victoria Gomelsky in JCK
Ethical Metalsmiths, our members, and those who follow our work can rely on The Source for carefully curated content, reliable information, and informed opinions on topics of interest for the industry. With an open mind and curious heart, we hope to move forward into 2023 and beyond to fulfill our mission of inspiring responsible jewelry practices through education, connection, and action.
“We are a small team of passionate jewelry industry professionals and writers. We’d appreciate your support to grow our team and continue to be able to provide the best responsible jewelry content for years to come!”
Chloe interviewed Jessica Hudson of The Nomad Jeweler on her latest collection that features ASM Colombian gold and Tahitian Kamoka pearls. Read the full article to learn more about Jessica’s story and why she chose to design with traceable artisanal gold and sustainable pearls.