November 01, 2007

Ethical Jewellery

In September, I was fortunate enough to attend The Great Debate held at the International Jewellery London 2007 trade show. During the debate, the jewellery industry’s response to the ethical, social and humanitarian issue which confront the jewellery trade today were discussed.

There was an overall feeling that the jewellery industry must address ethical issues. Willie Hamilton, Chairman of the Company of Master Jewellers stated that the jewellery industry is exactly where the food industry was ten years ago, facing what seems an impossible task. He warned jewellers that they must confront and address these issues before they seriously damage the industry.

During the debate, it was suggested that it is the individuals that set out to create a business which can benefit subsistence communities, create employment and encourage fair trading conditions. It is these businesses that have created a niche marketing position of their own in the retail and wholesale jewellery sector.

Mai Pearls are very much aware of it’s responsibility to society and the environment and that is why we have taken three steps to ensure that we are an ethical jewellery brand. These are;
1. Mai Pearls supports fair trade and local community initiatives. This means that we ensure our suppliers are paid fair wages for their work; working conditions are safe and of a good standard and no children are exploited.
2. Mai Pearls gives 10% of it’s profits to Operation Blessing’s Chinese orphan care program. For more information on this charity, please take a look at their website www.obchina.org
3. Mai Pearls also cares about the environment and promises to try to minimise excess packaging as well as using items with recycled content. This is also the case for our printing.

So you can feel good whilst shopping at Mai Pearls!

Posted: November 1, 2007 01:21 PM