Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) proudly marks the 10th anniversary of its International Gold Conference with a pivotal virtual event in October. This significant occasion features the presentation of its prestigious Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry, alongside engaging panels that delve into the remarkable evolution of ethical and sustainable practices within the jewelry sector over the past two decades. This comprehensive series aims to illuminate the urgent challenges facing the gold and diamond industries while celebrating the trailblazers dedicated to driving positive change.

Pioneering Ethical Leadership: Initiatives in Art and Culture Explores Responsible Jewelry Practices in “All That Glitters” Virtual Series

New York, NY – October 19, 2020 – The journey through the intricate world of gold and diamonds increasingly brings to light pressing ethical and environmental challenges. Initiatives in Art and Culture’s (IAC) 2020 international gold and diamond virtual series, aptly named “All That Glitters,” has taken these critical issues as its foundational departure point. On October 28th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time, IAC continues this influential series, gathering leading industry figures for an in-depth exploration of ethical sourcing and responsible practice. A highlight of this event is the honoring of Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chairman and President of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, who will receive IAC’s distinguished 2020 Award for Ethical Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry.

This award acknowledges individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional vision and commitment to fostering transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility across the global jewelry supply chain. The “All That Glitters” series serves as a critical platform for dialogue, education, and collaboration, underscoring IAC’s unwavering dedication to elevating the discourse around responsible practices in art and culture, particularly within the valuable and often complex jewelry industry.

Honoring Visionary Leadership: Anisa Kamadoli Costa Receives IAC’s Esteemed Award

The core of the virtual event revolves around the presentation of IAC’s Annual Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry to Anisa Kamadoli Costa. As Chief Sustainability Officer at Tiffany & Co. and Chairman and President of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Anisa has been a driving force in establishing industry benchmarks for ethical conduct and environmental stewardship. Her leadership has not only shaped Tiffany & Co.’s celebrated sustainability initiatives but has also inspired broader change across the luxury sector.

The award ceremony is complemented by a profound discussion titled, “Leadership in Responsible Practice: Celebrating 20 Years of Sustained Commitment.” This panel will explore the significant strides made in the field of responsible jewelry over the past two decades, from advancements in supply chain traceability to the establishment of robust certification standards. Anisa Kamadoli Costa will be joined by a panel of esteemed industry experts, including Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer at Richline Group, Inc.; Michael J. Kowalski, Retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Tiffany & Co.; and Stephen D’Esposito, President and CEO of RESOLVE. The conversation will be expertly moderated by Lisa Koenigsberg, President and Founder of Initiatives in Art and Culture, and Christina Miller, Co-founder of Ethical Metalsmiths & Consultant, both of whom co-chair the Committee for Initiatives in Art and Culture’s Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry. This gathering of minds promises to offer invaluable insights into the journey and future direction of responsible practices within the jewelry sector, highlighting the collective effort required to maintain and improve ethical standards.

“No Going Back”: Charting the Future of Responsible Mining in the Jewelry Supply Chain

The fourth webinar in the 2020 “All That Glitters” series features two critical conversations. The first, “No Going Back: Vision and Leadership in Supporting Responsible Mining in the Jewelry Supply Chain,” will meticulously explore how the often-disparate production and demand sides of the mining industry can synergistically collaborate. This discussion aims to reaffirm the dedication to ongoing work by countless individuals, organizations, and companies while actively encouraging others to adopt and integrate these essential responsible practices. The session, moderated by Christina T. Miller, a prominent Co-founder of Ethical Metalsmiths and an independent consultant in ethical sourcing, boasts a globally diverse and expert panel.

Panelists include:

Conny Havel, Head of Supply Chains and Markets, Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM): ARM is globally recognized for its pioneering work in formalizing and empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities, ensuring they operate under fair and environmentally sound conditions.
Cristina Maria Villegas, Director of Mines to Markets Program, PACT: PACT works to transform lives and livelihoods by linking vulnerable communities to global markets, thereby promoting transparent and ethical supply chains from the ground up.
Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives, De Beers Group: As a global leader in diamond mining, De Beers has been at the forefront of implementing and promoting ethical standards, and Feriel Zerouki herself was the recipient of the 2019 IAC Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry, underscoring her profound impact.
Virginie Bahon, Head of Corporate Affairs, Valcambi: Valcambi is one of the world’s largest precious metals refiners, and its commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain integrity is crucial in the journey of gold from mine to market.
Ute Decker, Founder, Ute Decker – sculptural jewelry: An award-winning jewelry designer, Ute Decker is a staunch advocate for sustainable luxury, known for her commitment to using recycled and ethically sourced materials.
Monica Gichuhi, Founder, African Gem Exhibition and Conference: Monica plays a vital role in showcasing Africa’s rich gemstone heritage while promoting responsible practices and empowering local communities within the continent’s burgeoning gem sector.

This distinguished group, representing every facet of the global supply chain, will tackle complex topics such as Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM). They will explore innovative strategies for how both the production and demand sides can collaborate effectively to guarantee responsible, ethical, and sustainable practices throughout supply chains. This collaboration is essential not only for incentivizing but also for actively supporting the continued development and improvement of responsible mining initiatives worldwide. Cristina Maria Villegas aptly summarizes the sentiment, stating, “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.” This powerful statement encapsulates the optimism and the critical choices facing the industry today.

The Initiatives in Art and Culture Award: Recognizing Transformational Impact

The Initiatives in Art and Culture Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry is an annual accolade. It is bestowed upon an individual or organization within the jewelry industry, or one that is jewelry-focused, that has demonstrated an extraordinary and transformational contribution to ethical sourcing and responsible practices within the worldwide gem and jewelry trade. This award goes beyond mere compliance; it seeks to honor those who actively innovate, advocate, and implement systemic changes that uplift communities, protect the environment, and instill greater trust and transparency in the industry.

Recipients of this award embody the highest standards of leadership, showing how a commitment to responsibility can drive both business success and positive societal impact. Their work sets new benchmarks for others to follow, creating a ripple effect that elevates the entire industry. By recognizing these leaders, IAC aims to inspire further advancements and encourage a culture of continuous improvement in ethical and sustainable jewelry practices.

Voices of Leadership: Inspiring a Sustainable Future

Anisa Kamadoli Costa, expressing her gratitude for this significant honor, remarked, “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.” Her statement beautifully encapsulates the collaborative spirit behind such achievements. She continued, “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.” This powerful sentiment underscores the potential of the industry not just as a creator of beauty but also as an agent for profound positive change.

Further emphasizing the monumental impact of Anisa’s work and Tiffany & Co.’s legacy, Stephen D’Esposito offered a compelling homage: “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.” This powerful commendation highlights how strategic leadership can transform inherent values into tangible, explicit commitments that resonate across the industry and beyond, setting a high standard for corporate responsibility.

Embracing the Digital Landscape: IAC’s Commitment to Global Dialogue

The global landscape has been profoundly altered by COVID-19, presenting unprecedented challenges that demand innovative solutions to fulfill commitments and missions. In response, Initiatives in Art and Culture has proactively expanded its reach to embrace the digital world, ensuring that vital conversations and initiatives continue without interruption. Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture, articulates this strategic shift, stating, “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.”

This commitment to virtual engagement allows IAC to transcend geographical barriers, bringing together a truly global audience and diverse perspectives for meaningful dialogue. Koenigsberg further expressed deep appreciation, noting, “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.” This emphasis on global collaboration and the initiation of tangible change through dialogue remains at the heart of IAC’s mission, even as it adapts to new operational realities.

Cornerstone Partnerships: Driving Progress in Ethical Jewelry

Initiatives in Art and Culture extends its profound gratitude to the De Beers Group for their unwavering participation and crucial support as the Leadership Sponsor of this ongoing initiative. De Beers’ commitment to advancing ethical practices in the diamond industry is exemplary, and their partnership is instrumental in making such comprehensive and impactful events possible. Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives at De Beers Group, and herself a recipient of IAC’s 2019 Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry, affirmed their dedication: “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.” This partnership underscores a shared vision for a more responsible and transparent industry.

Furthermore, IAC is immensely appreciative of the vital contributions from other key sponsors who make these crucial dialogues a reality. The Natural Diamond Council is recognized as a 24 Karat Sponsor, highlighting their dedication to promoting the integrity and allure of natural diamonds while advocating for responsible practices. Panjshir Valley Emeralds, a Trusted Gems Company, and Valcambi, a leading precious metals refiner, both stand as Patron Level Sponsors, demonstrating their commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible supply chains within their respective specialized fields. Additionally, Hoover & Strong and the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers of America have shown their committed engagement at the Donor Level, reflecting their shared belief in fostering a more ethical and sustainable future for the entire jewelry industry.

Lisa Koenigsberg, IAC’s visionary founder, eloquently articulated the collective appreciation, stating, “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.” These partnerships are more than just financial contributions; they are a testament to a collective dedication across the industry to drive positive change, fostering an environment where ethical considerations are paramount. All those actively involved in or interested in the jewelry supply chain, from miners to retailers and consumers, are strongly encouraged to join this virtual “tour d’horizon” – a comprehensive overview of innovative, sustainable practices and responsible sourcing strategies that are shaping the future of the global jewelry industry.