Reciprocity Jewels Showcase: Responsible Jewelry at NYC Jewelry Week

Reciprocity Jewels Showcase: Responsible Jewelry at NYC Jewelry Week

November 18, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor News

Reciprocity Jewels Exhibition at New York City Jewelry Week

Reciprocity Jewels will showcase its work at New York City Jewelry Week. This exhibition features designers who collaborate with artisanal miners in the Amazon. Their goal is to promote responsibly sourced materials, particularly Peruvian gold linked to individual miners.

More than 20 independent jewelry brands will participate, including Cocoerow Fine Jewelry by Christine Olowonira, Dana Bronfman, and others. These brands have partnered with miners from the Madre de Dios region in Peru. The miners received training in mercury-free mining and reforestation techniques from Pure Earth, a nonprofit organization focused on environmental health.

The miners have achieved Fairmined certification, making AMATAF the first alluvial mining organization in the Amazon to receive this certification. The exhibition will highlight the importance of responsible sourcing, exceptional design, and the collaborative efforts within the jewelry industry.

A unique bio-jewelry collection will also be featured, resulting from collaborations between the Wyss Academy for Nature, Neofibers, and Indigenous communities from the Ese Eja and Yine Peoples. This initiative, “Shay: Together for the Ancestral Art,” promotes sustainable practices and preserves traditional techniques.

Event Details:

  • Opening: Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at Berimbau Midtown, 3 West 36th Street.
  • Panel Discussion: “From Drops to Rivers of Change: The Power of Collaboration in Responsible Sourcing.”
    • Time: Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m.
    • Moderator: Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez from the Responsible Jewellery Council.
    • Panelists Include: Caroline Baylor, Cristina Villegas, Jennifer Gandia, Dana Bronfman.

Quote from Dana Bronfman: “Together we can create rivers of change that turn into oceans.”

Private Reception:

  • Following the panel, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. featuring an Amazon-inspired menu and Pisco cocktails.

Exhibition Hours:

  • Open to the public on Nov. 20 and 21 from 12:00 – 6 p.m.

Another panel discussion will take place on Nov. 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. titled “Weaving Reciprocity: Solutions from the Amazon for a Better Future.” This discussion will focus on sustainable solutions and encourage action for the Amazon.

A portion of the exhibition’s proceeds will support Pure Earth. RSVP options for the events are available online.