Ethical Metalsmiths (EM) is sharing results of the Responsible Industry Survey, a survey conducted by a team of EM members and headed up by Alisa Thorp, Co-Owner and Ideator of Mercurius Jewelry.

The team summarized the survey in their report: “The Responsible Industry Survey provided important information as we learned WHO is thinking about ethics, HOW they’re working through that process, and WHAT they need to be supported in that work.”

The respondents, primarily “micro-businesses,” have a wide range of years in the business, slightly skewed toward people with less than 10 years in the industry. They have a strong desire for information and resources, and they are actively investigating the topics covered, want to learn more, and want support in implementing changes in their business.

Most participants noted moderate to high levels of awareness of sourcing and traceability challenges, although few distinguished between environmental and human factors.

Respondents have taken most of their “ethical” actions around environmental factors (in the studio and the larger environment), and they have less understanding of how to navigate a range of human rights issues in the industry.

Survey respondents are described as follows:

• Almost 80% of the 114 total survey participants are single-entity businesses identifying as jewelry designers and/or independent jewelers with an annual revenue below $100k. Respondents represented 23 states in the U.S.A. and 15 countries primarily in the US, UK, and Canada.
• Only 27% of respondents confirmed that they are currently EM members.
• The most common refrain was a request for resources that will help these business owners ask more informed questions and formulate plans based on their own definitions of responsibility. This is an important note, as it underscores the need for better (more accessible) education for new industry members.

There was a strong desire for expert guidance on how to:

• have meaningful sourcing conversations with suppliers
• craft a strong business ethics statement
• converse with consumers about ethical issues
• seek out education opportunities to help business growth, understand ethics, and learn about the global industry

Most participants noted moderate to high levels of awareness of sourcing and traceability challenges, although few distinguished between environmental and human factors.

The complete results and analysis of the Responsible Industry Survey can be downloaded here

The Survey Committee members include: Alisa Thorp (Chair), Will Nevins-Alderfer, Alexandra Hart, Caylee Kozak, Susan Eriksson, Ana Brazaityte, Kyle Abraham Bi, Samantha Wood, Monica Stephenson, Barbara Wheat