First Takeaways from the EM Industry Survey
The Source is turning 2 this October, so this month seems like the perfect time to celebrate the 2022 Jewelry Industry Survey that Ethical Metalsmiths conducted — and to recognize all the hard work that went into gathering this valuable data.
Thank you to Alisa Thorp, Caylee Kozak, Ana Brazaityte, Will Nevins-Alderfer, Alexandra Hart, Susan Eriksson, Monica Stephenson and the rest of the Action Coalition!
As a leader in the responsible jewelry movement, EM is also a pioneer in conducting an industry-wide survey that will generate actionable steps to better serve and educate jewelry industry professionals.
Here are the top 5 initial findings that Caylee and Chloe have put together!
Industry Survey Findings
Finding #1
Almost 80% of the 114 total survey participants:
are single-entity businesses identifying as jewelry designers and/or independent jewelers.
have an annual revenue below $100k.
are located in the US, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia.
Finding #2
The responses represent a somewhat narrowly-defined group: independent sole proprietorships with fewer than 10 years of experience in the industry. This cohort responded to most of the survey questions about their current business practices with a strong desire for information and resources. They want to learn!
Finding #3
There was a strong desire for expert guidance on how to:
have meaningful sourcing conversations with suppliers
craft a strong business ethics statement
converse with consumers about ethical issues
seek out education opportunities to help business growth, understand ethics, and learn about the global industry
Finding #4
Awareness was not the primary issue at hand. Most participants noted moderate to high levels of awareness of sourcing and traceability challenges, although few distinguished between environmental and human factors.
Finding #5
The most common refrain was a request for resources that will help these business owners ask more informed questions and formulate plans based on their own definitions of responsibility. This is an important note, as it underscores the need for better (more accessible) education for new industry members.
Ethical Metalsmiths Action Coalition. Graphic courtesy of Ethical Metalsmiths.
Final Note from Caylee Kozak:
This summary of findings represents the Action Coalition’s biggest initial conclusions from the survey, drawn from a broad perspective. We are continuing to review the data individually and as a committee, and will work on more point-by-point deliverables and actionable recommendations as our next phase.
The Action Coalition agreed that much of this survey will serve to inform the various organizations within EM about the specific needs and wants represented by this cohort. Naturally, this data will also serve to shape the next survey.
Stay tuned for more information!
Are you an EM member who is interested in joining the Action Coalition? Click here for more info!
Resources for you to learn more in the meantime:
ALL The Source articles (Shameless plug!)
American Gem Society (AGS)
What do beekeeping and fish ponds have to do with diamond mining?