CHICAGO

RESPONSIBLE JEWELRY

CONFERENCE 2025

Conference: October 17-18, 2025

Responsible Gem Boutique: October 16, 2025

Film Row Cinema - 1104 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60605

Join Us in Shaping a Just and Sustainable Future for Jewelry: Connect, Learn, and Act at the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference

The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (CRJC) explores the intricate challenges within the jewelry industry to foster meaningful change. This conference convenes industry stakeholders to address a range of critical issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and human rights. By promoting equity, transparency, and knowledge-sharing, the CRJC seeks to unite the jewelry sector in its commitment to aligning with sustainable development goals.

Person standing in front of Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as The Bean, in Chicago's Millennium Park with surrounding skyscrapers.

Uniting people from around the world in Chicago. Together we celebrate current initiatives in the jewelry industry while raising awareness for the work that still lies ahead.

Two women standing in front of a backdrop with the text "Sustainable Development Goals" and "Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference".

NEW IN 2025…

CRJC founder Susan Wheeler welcomes Brandee Dallow to be the 2025 conference MC!

Some of this years topics:

  • The Value of Rubies, the Love of Rubies, and the Conflict of Rubies

  • The Impact of Synthetic Gemstones on Source Countries and the Jewelry Industry

  • The Wars that Gold Funds Right Now and How it Affects our Jewelry

  • The Legal Landscape for Jewelry Brands in Rapidly Changing Times

  • The Impact of Beach Diamond Mining on Surfers and Marine Life

  • Luxury and Poverty the One World of Jewelry Addressing Sustainable Development Goal 1 “No Poverty”

The Responsible Gem and Jewelry Boutique

Shop the trade responsible and traced gemstones and jewelry. The Responsible Gem Boutique features the leaders in responsible sourcing brought to the Chicago Jewelers Mall. The Boutique offers a unique shopping experience where you can meet with and get to know the gemstone and jewelry brands that make responsible jewelry accessible for your brand.

Group of people looking at gemstones and jewelry at a gemstone sale.
Various gemstones including aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, and indicolite in different cuts on a white background.

What sets the CRJC apart:

Our mission:

  • To support that mission your ticket cost contributes to the flights and accommodations for people in our supply chain to speak at the conference, creating equity all proceeds go directly into the Responsible Jewelry Transformative initiatives.

  • The CRJC is independent and does not accept sponsorship from large scale mining, this avoids conflict of interest, stays true to the vision of SDGs and fosters a dialogue unique from others in the jewelry.

  • The CRJC welcomes the voices of all, with Gen Z discounts, meant to bring those entering the jewelry industry into the conversations.

  • The CRJC is a researched conference focusing on bringing unseen topics to light.

Chicago Jewelry 2025 Conference

THE CRJC 2025 PREMIER FILM

Out Of Mined

The film its focused on the urgent threat to South Africa's West Coast due to diamond mining. The premiere of this full length movie will include a panel of ocean and beach mining experts and activist surfers from South Africa.

The CRJC features, documentaries, novels, and art to dive deep into the world that is jewelry. Journalist, researchers, academic institutions and artists contribute to our deeper understanding of the complex narratives surrounding the jewelry industry. These creative expressions explore themes of sustainability, ethics, and the human stories behind the jewelry industry.

By integrating these varied perspectives, the CRJC not only informs but also empowers attendees to advocate for a more responsible and equitable jewelry industry.