Emerging Jeweler Mentored Program

Community for Ethical Jewelry strives to be a resource for members of the jewelry industry and for jewelry consumers who are curious about and on a journey towards sourcing more responsible materials and jewelry.

The Emerging Jeweler Mentored Program is true to the mission of EM, that of Education, Connection and Action.

In this program, we build community between those with experience and those seeking support in developing their jewelry business.

There are three stages featuring nine mentored live sessions to support your comprehensive responsible jewelry business development. The mentors are leaders in the responsible jewelry movement, who have offered their strengths to the targeted areas of the staged program.

See below for the specifics, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions to our Executive Director.

A woman with glasses and earrings working on a jewelry project at a wooden table, surrounded by small trays of beads and supplies.

Join the Emerging Jeweler Mentored Program

Emerging Jeweler Membership
$150.00
Every year

You are eligible for an Emerging Jeweler Membership if you have yet to fully establish your professional jewelry business and are in need of guidance to successfully launch a jewelry business. This membership is an up to 3 year, responsible jewelry business building program. Price: $150.00 ( up to 3 consecutive years only - then you may move to a Jeweler Level membership)

Meet Our Mentors

EM’s Mentored Program Overview: Three Stages of Learning

Cover slide titled "Business Startup Overview" with a subtitle "Stage One" in black and white design.

Stage One

Outline icon of binoculars.

Vision

  • Business Vision

  • Setting Goals

  • Mission Statement

  • Overview Business Plan

Outline drawing of a financial document with a pen, a dollar sign coin, and a calculator.

Financial

  • Bookkeeping

  • Funding and Loans 

  • Working with your Bank

  • Principles of Pricing

Scale with a checkmark in the center.

Legal

  • Business Entity

  • Internal Policies Development

  • AML, FTC, Traceability 

  • Trademark, Quality Stamp

Slide with black border and white background featuring a presentation title in bold black text: 'The Collection Design & Development' and a subtitle 'Stage Two' in smaller font.

Stage Two

Outline drawing of a ring with a diamond and a pearl necklace.

Creating a Collection

  • Developing story/design/message

  • Knowing your buyer/ Market research/feedback

  • Understanding design, production and pricing

Icons of a computer mouse, a pencil, and a paintbrush.

Design Development

  • Setting up your studio/manufacturing (safety/health concerns)

  • Sourcing materials - asking the right questions

  • Outsourcing production/manufacturing

A black and white line drawing of jewelry-making tools, including a pair of pliers, a star-shaped charm, and a small bead or pendant.

Production

  • Establishing Supplier lines of credit (special support to underserved communities)

  • Understanding pricing structure for selling

  • Producing Line Sheets, Photography

Text slide titled 'Marketing Your Business (How Do You Tell The World?)' with a subtitle 'Stage Three' on a white background with a black border.

Stage Three

A black and white schematic diagram showing a paper airplane with an arrow, a curved arrow, a spiral target, and a curved path connecting these elements.

Showcasing Your Work

  • Shows: Wholesale / Retail Venues

  • Presenting/Displaying your work- tips/tricks

  • Packaging and Marketing POS

  • Networking

Outline icon of a megaphone with sound waves.

Messaging

  • Communicating your vision

  • FTC guidelines for legal terminology 

  • Jewelry Glossary

  • Sales Pitch

Social media icons including a hashtag, a thumbs-up 'like' symbol, and a heart symbol, all within speech bubbles.

Online

  • Website/Social Media

  • Press: how to get published

  • Email Campaigns

  • GRADUATE with Jeweler’s Self Assessment + EM webpage

Join the Emerging Jeweler Membership Program