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THE GREAT DEBATE AT IJL

The Birmingham Assay Office, in association with Exhibition Organisers Reed,  will be chairing a new event at the International Jewellery London Show on 5th September 2007.

“The IJL Great Debate” will examine the view that “A brand without values has no value at all” and debate the threats and opportunities arising from ethical issues for the jewellery trade

Activity by non governmental agencies such as Global Witness, CAFOD and Earthworks have brought ethical, social and humanitarian issues within the jewellery and precious stone industry to the attention of its members and also to its customers.

The challenges presented by issues such as Conflict or Illicit Diamonds and Dirty Gold are clearly a threat to consumer confidence but they have also strongly highlighted the dependency of under developed countries on the Western jewellery industry.  Jewellery buyers are literally keeping millions of people alive in Africa, India and elsewhere.

Brief presentations from key panellists will present a balanced view of the situation and then attendees are invited to join with the panellists to debate the threats and opportunities to consumer confidence (and spend) which this presents and provoke suggestions as to how the industry could respond.

The objective of the event is to highlight an important issue for the trade, encourage informed open debate and stimulate participants to consider their own response to these new challenges.

More details are available on the IJL website www.jewellerylondon.com where you can register your wish to attend the debate.

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