Ethical jewellery inspired by celebrities comes to a high street near you

Fri, 21 Jul 2006

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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