There are moves to get the
jewellery industry to become more ‘ethical’ with singers like Alicia Keys and
Kanye West bringing the matter into the public eye.
A similar campaign was waged by stars against the fur trade and the jewellery issue is huge in the
USA .
As a result of Vivien Johnstone’s strong feelings on the matter she has decided to open up her own
jewellery shop .
A
graduate from
Glasgow School of
Art, Ms Johnstone, 29 has opened a jewellery design and whole
business called Fifi Bijoux in Glasgow .
She felt very strongly about using materials for her jewellery that have been sourced from countries or suppliers which do not flout human rights or are damaging the
environment .
Ms Johnstone said, "I feel strongly about the human right abuse issues which still prevail in areas of the jewellery industry.
"Slave labour and child labour are still commonplace in some countries, where the mining of precious metals and
diamonds takes place, and in others they can work in appalling conditions.
"There's also the problem of arms trading, drugs and people trafficking from a significant dark underbelly in many mining communities.
"I've been creating one-off pieces for clients which are completely traceable and the materials come from countries where no atrocities take place, but these have been high-end luxury pieces where cost is less of an issue.
"I've designed and worked with
jewellers in Britain and many care about these issues, but it can be a struggle to trace their supply chains, simply because of the volume of jewellery they sell.
"But I've decided to create my business where I can make affordable designs and jewellery and then supply the high street jewellers.
"I'm
working with other interested parties so this will be easier for the industry as a whole."
So far it has taken Ms Johnstone a year to get the project off the ground and much of her time is now spent on sourcing ‘clean’ materials. Her jewellery is priced competitively and prices start at £150.
She has also decided to
donate a percentage of her profits to
charities that will help the victims of the
gold and
gem mining industry.
She said, "I originally set out with the intention of creating a co-operative that would make funds available to offer direct assistance to further implement
fair trade and ethical practices in the mining of precious metals and jewellery.
"Setting up a business and a
charity is too much too soon, but eventually that's what I hope to do."
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