Initiatives in Art and Culture continues to celebrate the 10th anniversary year of its International Gold Conference in October with the virtual presentation of its award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry, and panels exploring the evolution of responsible practice over the past 20 years.
New York, NY. October 19, 2020. The more one travels in realms of gold and diamonds, the more one is confronted by urgent challenges. Initiatives in Art and Culture’s (IAC) 2020 international gold and diamond virtual series “All That Glitters,” has taken, as points of departure, such challenges faced at all points on the continuum. On October 28th, 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM Eastern Time, Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) continues its series, bringing together industry trailblazers for a probing exploration of ethical sourcing and responsible practice, while honoring Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chairman and President of The Tiffany & Co Foundation Tiffany & Co., as the recipient of IAC’s 2020 Award for Ethical Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry.
The fourth webinar in the 2020 “All That Glitters” series features two conversations. In the first, “No Going Back: Vision and Leadership in Supporting Responsible Mining, in the Jewelry Supply Chain.” IAC explores how the production and demand sides of mining can work together—affirming commitment to the work underway in many realms, and undertaken by many individuals, organizations, and companies, while hoping to encourage others to follow suit. Moderated by Christina T. Miller, Co-founder, Ethical Metalsmiths & consultant, panellists include: Conny Havel, Head of Supply Chains and Markets, Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM); Cristina Maria Villegas, Director of Mines to Markets Program, PACT; Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives, De Beers Group and the recipient of the 2019 IAC Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry; Virginie Bahon, Head of Corporate Affairs, Valcambi; Ute Decker, Founder, Ute Decker – sculptural jewelry; and Monica Gichuhi, Founder, African Gem Exhibition and Conference. With global representation across the supply chain, panellists will consider topics, such as ASM, to explore how the production and the demand sides of the supply chain can work together to assure responsible, ethical and sustainable practices in supply chains, thus continuing to incentivize and support the development of responsible mining. Villegas says, “The All that Glitters Conference showcases some of the sector’s top thought leaders and innovators. The jewelry sector is at an exciting crossroads, and there are some truly beautiful paths to choose.”
The second discussion accompanies the presentation of IAC’s Annual Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry to Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tiffany & Co. and Chairman and President of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation. In it, IAC explores, “Leadership in Responsible Practice: Celebrating 20 Years of Sustained Commitment.” Anisa will be joined by Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer, Richline Group, Inc.; Michael J. Kowalski, Retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co. and Stephen D’Esposito, President and CEO/RESOLVE, in conversation with Lisa Koenigsberg, President and Founder of Initiatives in Art and Culture, and Christina Miller (Koenigsberg and Miller are co-chairs for the Committee for Initiatives in Art and Culture’s Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry). Progression in the field over the past two decades will be explored, from traceability in sourcing, to certification and standards.
The Initiatives in Art and Culture Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry is presented annually, to a recipient that is a member of the jewelry industry, or part of a jewelry-focused organization, that has made a transformational contribution to ethical sourcing and responsible practices in the worldwide gem and jewelry trade.
“I am honored to accept the Initiatives in Art and Culture Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry this year, on behalf of my colleagues at Tiffany & Co.,” said Anisa Kamadoli Costa. “I believe that the jewelry industry can be a force for change and have a positive impact on people and the planet, and am grateful for the IAC as it continues to bring together leaders in this space to make that vision a reality.”
In an homage to Tiffany & Co. and Anisa’s work, D’Esposito says, “Tiffany’s sustainability program is a beacon in the jewelry sector and for all consumer brands. While Tiffany’s sustainability promise has always been implicit, Anisa put her mark on it and made it explicit. They’ve put their brand to use for their customers and for society and the environment. Bravo.”
All those participating in the jewelry supply chain are encouraged to join this virtual tour d’horizon of innovative, sustainable practice and responsible sourcing.
Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture, says, “COVID-19 has presented the world with an altered landscape, and new challenges that must be met to fulfill commitments and mission. IAC has expanded our embrace to include the digital world, and we look forward both to this event and to continuing this new monthly initiative long after the landscape is altered yet again. We are grateful to De Beers for their encouragement, collaboration, and partnership in this endeavor, one which allows us to bring continents together for meaningful conversation to initiate change: a central goal of IAC’s.”
Initiatives in Art and Culture expresses deep gratitude to De Beers Group for their participation in, and support of, this ongoing initiative as the Leadership Sponsor. Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives, De Beers Group, and the 2019 recipient of IAC’s Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry affirms, “We are delighted to partner with Initiatives in Art and Culture for the ‘All That Glitters’ series. We at De Beers Group are proud of our partnership with IAC, an organization that continues to raise the profile of the positive work ongoing across the jewelry sector.”
Additionally, IAC is greatly appreciative of The Natural Diamond Council, a 24 Karat Sponsor; Panjshir Valley Emeralds, a Trusted Gems Company, and Valcambi as Patron Level Sponsors; and Hoover & Strong and the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers of America for their committed engagement at the Donor Level. Lisa Koenigsberg, IAC’s founder expressed, “IAC is honored that each of these sponsors, who exhibit a commitment to responsible, ethical and sustainable practices, has supported IAC’s industry programming throughout 2020.”
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