MEMBER LOGIN
CORAL POSITION STATEMENT
Jewelers of America recognizes that corals are living organisms, important to the marine ecosystems and coastal communities that surround them. We note that at least 75% of the world’s tropical coral reefs are threatened by climate change and overharvesting, according to the most recent scientific research.
The Jewelers of America Statement of Principles encourages our members to protect the environment within their spheres of influence, and to promote greater environmental responsibility along the entire jewelry supply chain. Thus, the association supports the creation of clear national and international guidelines and standards for reducing the ecological impacts of trade in precious corals.
As an example, the United States government and others have proposed adding red and pink corals to an Appendix II listing within the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This listing would provide much needed monitoring and oversight to the precious coral trade.
While an informal survey found that — like the fine jewelry industry at large — few Jewelers of America members currently sell coral jewelry, we will nonetheless begin to raise consciousness about the risks that living corals face, and encourage our members to inform their suppliers about coral conservation.
Individual members, such as Tiffany & Co., have already taken a more active role. For example, Chairman and CEO Michael J. Kowalski testified last year before the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans about the importance of coral conservation.
Jewelers of America has met with representatives of SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear coral conservation campaign and is beginning to work with them on the coral issue. We admire the collaborative approach that SeaWeb has taken with industry and applaud the positive ways it is educating retailers, designers and the public.
With the launch of this statement to our members, we begin the process of educating the trade about the risks that corals face. As responsible jewelers, we support coral conservation.
The Jewelers of America Statement of Principles encourages our members to protect the environment within their spheres of influence, and to promote greater environmental responsibility along the entire jewelry supply chain. Thus, the association supports the creation of clear national and international guidelines and standards for reducing the ecological impacts of trade in precious corals.
As an example, the United States government and others have proposed adding red and pink corals to an Appendix II listing within the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This listing would provide much needed monitoring and oversight to the precious coral trade.
While an informal survey found that — like the fine jewelry industry at large — few Jewelers of America members currently sell coral jewelry, we will nonetheless begin to raise consciousness about the risks that living corals face, and encourage our members to inform their suppliers about coral conservation.
Individual members, such as Tiffany & Co., have already taken a more active role. For example, Chairman and CEO Michael J. Kowalski testified last year before the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans about the importance of coral conservation.
Jewelers of America has met with representatives of SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear coral conservation campaign and is beginning to work with them on the coral issue. We admire the collaborative approach that SeaWeb has taken with industry and applaud the positive ways it is educating retailers, designers and the public.
With the launch of this statement to our members, we begin the process of educating the trade about the risks that corals face. As responsible jewelers, we support coral conservation.