Ethics and Education Lead Latest Issue of Rapaport Magazine

Strong values should be nonnegotiable in today’s jewelry industry. Whether it’s ethical sourcing, environmental accountability, or investing in the next generation, we all have a responsibility to secure the future of this brilliant business.

In the July-August issue of Rapaport Magazine, we spotlight the people and programs working toward a brighter future through ethical and educational initiatives. We delve into how the jewelry industry is addressing the skill gap by taking training into its own hands, from brand-led schools at Bulgari and Pomellato, to inclusive programs by groups like the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and The Leopards, which are reshaping who gets a chance to succeed in this trade.

We also zoom out to ask what “ethical” really means in 2025, taking a look at the corporate-responsibility efforts of associations, watchdogs and luxury leaders. From carbon targets to traceability tools, sustainability executives tell us what they feel are the most pressing issues facing jewelers today.

Following Botswana President Duma Boko’s attendance at the JCK Las Vegas show, we explore how diamonds have benefited the country since their discovery there in 1967. And the Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA) shares its plans to export more of the continent’s design talent — not just its natural resources.

Elsewhere in the issue, eclectic charm jewelry and Girandole earrings signal a return to playful design codes from eras past, while voluminous silhouettes are on the rise in spite of high gold prices. We meet jewelry designer Jessica McCormack as she opens her first New York store, report on the latest developments and trends in the colored-diamond and pearl markets, and consider the enduring appeal of vintage Bulgari jewels.

The jewelry world is changing not only in terms of what it produces and how, but also why. Questioning the reasons behind what we do and the way we do it is vital to making sure we are on the right path. It also makes it easier to embrace the changes, which we must all do to ensure that this cherished legacy industry has a strong and inspiring future.

Read the July-August 2025 issue of Rapaport Magazine here.