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Susan Wheeler is an acclaimed jewelry designer and the founder of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
Her award-winning jewelry is cast in 18 karats Fairmined gold and created by hand in Chicago.
The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference will be held this Oct 19th & 20th 2018 at the Film Row Cinema, 1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL.
Clickable Show Notes
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Question #1 – Over the past 50 episodes or so, we’ve heard some amazing stories of how people got into the jewelry trade, but I have to admit, yours might be the most interesting. Is it true you started designing jewelry after you had your personal jewelry stolen during a break-in? You’ve got to share some of the details of this transition with us. Timestamp: [4:18]
Question #2 – Your jewelry designs seductively draw your inner eye into a deeper emotional experience. Is it true you use metal clays to create the truly unique impressions that are now part of your signature style? What inspirations do you draw upon to create your award-winning creations? And what platforms are your designs available for purchase? Timestamp: [6:13]
Question #3 – Susan, you’re the founder of The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference. For those who may not be as familiar with this important event, can you share the over-arching goals of the conference and the details about how we can attend? And I’m curious, how did you manage to get some of the biggest names in the ethically mined and gem sourcing community to participate? Timestamp: [8:21]
Question #4 – Let’s dig into the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference a little deeper. First off, can you shed some light on the Gem Cutting Panel and the “Tip the Gem Cutter” initiative you put together? Secondly, why haven’t we made more headway into recognizing the needs of gem cutters in our supply chain? Timestamp: [12:19]
Question #5 – I read that the upcoming Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference will have the North American premiere showing of the feature movie, “River of Gold.” Some have said this is going to be the most influential movie in the jewelry industry since “Blood Diamonds.” Can you tell us more about the movie and how you got them to premiere it at your conference? Timestamp: [16:22]
Question #6 – I’m convinced you probably don’t sleep, given everything you’re involved with. On top of all that you do, you still have the energy to be a board member of the Ethical Metalsmiths. Can you tell us more about the Ethical Metalsmiths organization and its commitment to leading jewelers and consumers in becoming informed activists for ethical sourcing? Timestamp: [19:03]
Question #7 – On rare occasions were seeing the term “FairMined” gold come up in jewelry trade blog posts. What does the term mean, and why should independent jewelers support this organization? Timestamp: [20:57]
Question #8 – It’s easy to see the connection between your emblematic creations and your passion for responsible gem and metal sourcing. At the end of the day, the financials have to be right for an ongoing jewelry brand to survive. Is there a large enough, financially viable enough, jewelry consumer base in the U.S. to support a large scale, industry-wide ethically sourced jewelry brand? If not, how quickly are we as an industry moving towards that point? Timestamp: [24:00]
Question #9 – What challenges do you foresee in the future for the jewelry industry? Are gem cutting and gold mining on the horizon to be disruptive if left unattended? And what happens if the jewelry buying public suddenly begins to demand accountability? Timestamp: [25:45]
What You Should Know About Susan Wheeler & the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference
Susan Wheeler Designs: Susan Wheeler is a jewelry designer who sculpts her jewelry models from clay and sundries them to achieve a truly organic texture, a texture that has only been modified by nature, not by tools or hands. The signature organic texture resembles the textures found in nature, the ripple of wind on the water, the cracking of the earth as it drys, and the pattern of bark growing on a tree. She believes in making quality jewelry that is continually innovating her craft. Susan Wheeler’s award-winning jewelry is cast in 18 karats Fairmined gold and created by hand in Chicago. Susan sources fair trade gems, she uses antique diamonds and works to ensure integrity in all facets of her supply chain.
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference: October 19 & 20th 2018. Held at the Film Row Cinema, 1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL 60605 The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference engages all people in the jewelry industry, educators, and students. The conference will cover the concepts of responsible and sustainable jewelry, including specific ways that individuals and companies can be involved in the responsible jewelry movement. Insights from leaders in the global jewelry industry will demonstrate positive effects on emerging economies that are unique to the jewelry industry.
Contact Information
- Linkedin: Susan Wheeler
- Linkedin Business: Susan Wheeler Designs
- Website: Susan Wheeler Design Jewelry
- Email: susan@susanwheelerdesigns.com
- Twitter: Wheeler Designs
- Facebook: Susan Wheeler Designs
- Instagram: Susan Wheeler Designs
- Pinterest: Susan Wheeler Designs
- The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference
Our “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show Episodes
The host of “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show – Jewelry Business Strategist – President of Four Grainer LLC. Author of the business books “A Reason To Chant,” and “A Reason to Chant – Jewelry Trade Edition.” Rod lives in Atlanta with his wife and two almost-human cats.