FLUX 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="FLUX 2016 - Goldsmiths’ CentreApril 2016" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" css=".vc_custom_1519135857865{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap="10"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="73" img_size="full" css=".vc_custom_1519136128479{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Tuesday 19th April saw the inaugural FLUX conference at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. A packed day of diverse keynote speakers and interactive workshop sessions began with Lina Villa, Executive Director of the Alliance for Responsible Mining in Columbia, responsible for the Fairmined initiative.Lina shared her experiences of implementing change through increased standards in mining safety and the positive effect such essential work has had on the lives of the millions of artisanal miners across South America.Next, Orsola de Castro – co founder of the global phenomenon that is ‘Fashion Revolution’. Conceived in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster in which 1,130 Bangladeshi garment factory workers lost their lives, Orsola shared her inspirational journey of just what is involved in flying the flag for sustainability amidst today’s seemingly insatiable desire for fast fashion.Jack Cunningham, Group Sustainability Manager at Gemfields PLC rounded off the keynote speakers with a frank and honest discussion of the challenges faced in gemstone mining and marketing when acting as the model for ethical policy within an industry that has an inherently chequered history of environmental practice.Woven between these fascinating topics were workshop sessions held by such industry specialists as campaigner, Greg Valerio MBE, responsible sourcing specialist Estelle Levin and CMJ Chief Executive, Willie Hamilton.The day’s proceedings were brought to a buoyant close by Antiques Roadshow jewellery expert Joanna Hardy who shared a light hearted presentation on her recent experiences whilst searching for rubies in Myanmar.This ticketed event sold out soon after launch proving the undoubted hunger for such debate within the jewellery supply chain.

‘The UK really is leading the way in ethical practice within our industry” commented key note speaker Lina Villa. ‘It is always inspiring to come here and see the enthusiasm you have to make real change.’

The overall sense of the day was one of hope and conviction. Delegates and speakers alike shared experiences and knowledge across a broad spectrum of topics – all united by the common belief that advancement is possible and by continuing to communicate and work together we can all play a part in effecting real change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]