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Marc Choyt's Articles Display Category|Title|Newest|Oldest Fair Trade Lessons Learned From Bali Jewelry Factory Visits When a company markets "fair trade jewelry," might that mean in terms of actual manufacturing? There is no established standard. Yet jewelry manufacturing is complex and toxic. This article explores lessons concerning safety and cultural issues based on jewelry factory visits in Bali, Indonesia. The Myth and Lore of August's Birthstone, Peridot As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers peridot, the birthstone of August, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore of Sapphire: September's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers sapphires, the birthstone of September, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore of Topaz: November's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers topaz, the birthstone of November, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical The Myth and Lore of Amethyst: The Birthstone of February As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers amethyst, the birthstone of February, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". Myth and History of Turquoise, December's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers turquoise, the birthstone of December, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical lore. The Lore of Lapis Lazuli, December's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers Lapis Lazuli, the birthstone of December, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical The Myth and Lore of Opal: October's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers opal, the birthstone of October, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore of Pearl: June's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers pearls, the birthstone of June, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore of Rubies: July's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers ruby, the birthstone of July, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore Aquamarine: March's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers aquamarine, the birthstone of March, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". Myth and Lore of Diamonds: April's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers diamonds, the birthstone of April, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". The Myth and Lore of Emeralds: May's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers emeralds, the birthstone of May, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical The Myth and Lore of Garnets: January's Birthstone As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers garnets, the birthstone of January, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning". Is There Such A Thing As Fair Trade Jewelry? Third party certified "fair trade" jewelry does not exist; yet if you google "fair trade jewelry" millions of sites come up. Written for the consumer and the trade, this short article, extensively researched and referenced, sorts though challenges around ethical sourcing in the jewelry sector. The article concludes that transparency is more valuable than any "fair" or "eco" labeling. The True Meaning Of Heart With Valentine's Day coming up, we see the image of the heart has become a kind of hackneyed cliche. Yet heart has an entirely different meaning. Drawing on the mythology, mysticism, and depth psychology, this article explores the true meaning of the heart in many of its dimensions. Politics and the Burmese Ruby Boycott Jewelers of America, representing 11,000 jewelers, urge a boycott of Burmeserubies. Yet some gem dealers deeply familiar with the situation in Burma claimruby trade is decentralized, and that the boycott hurts the artisanal minersin the pro-democracy movement, not the government. This article considers thepolitics behind the boycott: who it helps and who it hurts. The Diamond Trade in 2007: How Much Blood Remains? The blood diamond issue is no longer in the news, yet these diamonds still are widely traded. This insider's view, written by a jeweler, gives a present day and historical context to the diamond trade. Ultimately the consumer concerned about ethics is empowered to make informed decisions when purchasing their own diamond. Deciphering Celtic Knots in Celtic Jewelry Often the meaning of Celtic jewelry is based more on marketing than an understanding of symbolism. This article discusses the true meaning of knot motifs from a universal, sacred geometry perspective. By considering the elements that make up the knot patterns, such as square, circles, crosses and triangles, the reader is able to gain insights into Celtic motifs and his or her own life journey. Lead In Children's and Adult's Jewelry: The Untold Story The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a small NGO, first discovered high lead content in jewelry. They filed law suit and helped to pushed through legislation. Michael Green, the Executive Director and Caroline Cox, Research Director, discuss how prevalent lead in adult and children's jewelry is, and how they exposed companies such as Disney, Mattel, Nordstrom and Federated. Is There Such A Thing As Fair Trade Jewelry? Third party certified "fair trade" jewelry does not exist; yet if you google "fair trade jewelry" millions of sites come up. Written for the consumer and the trade, this short article, extensively researched and referenced, sorts though the concept of "fair trade" in the jewelry sector. The examples from many sources shed light on what fair trade jewelry might mean, if there is such a thing. Interview with Carmen Iezzi There's a great deal of confusion and misleading information around fair trade jewelry. While there is no such thing as third party certified fair trade jewelry, many companies sell fair trade jewelry. This interview with Carmen Iezzi, director of the Fair Trade Federation, clarifies why fair trade jewelry is listed as a product category on their website. Interview with Steve D'Esposito on Fair Trade Jewelry Steve D'Esposito, executive director of Earthworks, discusses his organization of a multi-sector "Ethical Jewelry Summit" on socially and environmentally sourced jewelry production. This article discusses some of the issues involved in the very early stages of this important movement in the mainstream jewelry world. The summit is to take place in Washington DC, Oct. 25th and 26th. Committing to Love and the Earth: a Guide to Green Weddings For the many people committing to marriage today are deeply concerned about the state of the environment, green weddings are an increasingly popular option. This article gives a wide range of references which can provide seed ideas for those interested in conducting a marriage that ecologically responsible. An Interview on a Fair Trade Jewelry Model in South Africa Laurens Mare, the CEO of the South African Jewelry Counsel, discusses Vukani-Ubuntu, a Non-Profit Organization that trains people from rural townships into the commercial jewelry trade. This social entrepreneurial effort applies fair trade principal of economic empowerment for the economically disadvantaged to the main stream jewelry world. Ten Tips To Purchasing Green, Ethically Sourced Wedding Rings Online A wedding ring can cause twenty tons of toxic mining sludge. A Consumer concerned about the environmental impact of their ring has to search online to find an environmentally responsible jeweler. This article provides critical information to educate and empower consumers seeking to purchase an environmentally responsible wedding ring online. Ethical Shoppers Want Jewelers to Support Ethical Jewelry NOW Ethical sourcing are have recently become critical issues for a select few in the jewelry industry. Their concerns reach beyond blood diamonds and dirty gold. This article discusses the moral imperative behind ethically sourced jewelry. It also outlines some of the challenges that face this emerging movement. Celtic Wedding Ring Buying Guide: Ten Questions for Finding the Perfect Ring The best place to purchase Celtic wedding rings is on the internet, but there are definitely concerns that need to be addressed when purchasing a piece of jewelry that you will wear every day for the rest of your life on line. Written by an industry expert, this article provides critical information to educate and empower the consumer seeking to purchase a Celtic wedding ring on the internet. How To Develop Your Mystic Understanding of Celtic Knotwork A brief discussion of western and indigenous culture provides a context a discussion of the hidden "mystical" meaning of Celtic knots. The reader is given the knowledge that will enable him or her to personally interpret complex Celtic knot designs. Fair Trade Jewelry: The Challenges and Rewards of an Emerging Movement A small group of passionate players in the jewelry sector are attempting to create a new product category: fair trade jewelry. Yet does jewelry as a product even fit into the "fair trade" category, which has been associated only with agricultural products? This article, written by a jewelry manufacturer, gives a concise summary of the challenges involved in creating ethically sourced jewelry. Blogging For Socially Responsible Business Blogging is an effective means to build community and promote radically new approaches in niche business markets that are undergoing radical change. This article, written by the president of a company blogging for ethically sourced jewelry, discusses approaches, pitfalls and benefits to writing and developing two blogs - offering practical advice to any business person wanting to get started. Get Peace of Mind with These 10 Questions for Your Jeweler Many consumers want to purchase ethically sourced jewelry yet they do not know enough about this emerging product category to even begin to talk to their jewelry. This article provides knowledge and the right questions to empower the consumer interested in purchasing social responsible jewelry. Rangoli: The Sacred Knot Work of India Most people associate knot work design with Celtic culture, and know nothing of the ancient knot work of India, known as Rangoli, which is a combination of two words: "Ranga" means God and "Oli" which means to be pleased. This article discusses the tradition of Rangoli as an example of how knot work designs have universal human appeal across cultural boundaries. Four Questions That Separate Spin From Truth When Purchasing Ethical Jewelry Responding to consumers seeking ethically produced jewelry, a few companies are branding their product as "green" or "fair trade" made. What constitutes authenticity in this net market has little to do with PR spin, and everything to do with transparency regarding sourcing. This article empowers consumers to ask the right questions to determine whether a jewelry product is ethically sourced. The Circle Manifesto: A New Economic Model Based On Ancient Wisdom The author, a successful business owner and a national leader in the fair trade, eco jewelry movement, has developed a radical new "circle-based" business model based on his nearly twenty years of study Native medicine people. This story traces the history of his company in context to this radical approach, using a natural system based on interconnection as a model for best business practices. Leading from Behind: Leadership in a Circle-Based Business The author, president of a successful small business, discusses a radical view of leadership gleaned from nearly twenty years of study with Native American Medicine people. While most CEOs lead from on top, he advocates "leading from behind," and validates his approach validated by his own hardscrabble business experience, showing how honoring the human spirit is a best business practice. Reflections on Rage: Making Room in My Circle for "The Man in the Swamp" The writer, the author of the only blog dedicated to fair and ethically environmentally sourced jewelry, responds to what he perceives as a green wash press release from Citizen Watch. From there, he discusses the process of working within the circle of his internal archetypal characters. His journey from rage to acceptance gives him insight into the universality of human tragic experience. Understanding And Choosing A Celtic Ring With the popularity of Celtic music and writing, and a longing for many consumers to connect with earth based traditions, Celtic rings have universal appeal. Yet what attracts one to a particular design is often mysteriously hard to articulate. This article provides a basic understanding of Celtic iconography, and lays out a strategy for purchasing Celtic rings over the internet. The Chicken Scratch Path: Decision Making Based On Native American Wisdom "Chicken Scratch Path" is really a decision making process taught by the late Paula Underwood, an Iroquois history keeper. All decisions are binary decisions. Over time, even small decisions lead to either your "truth path" in who you "mainly mean to be" or not. The author, one of her facilitators in her "Learningway" conferences, discusses how this applies to his small business now. Ask Not What The Jewelry Industry Can Do For You Suppose that you are a passionate leader in the jewelry industry advocating fair eco trade. You go to the most important industry tradeshow with a big banner screaming "ECO FAIR TRADE JEWELRY NOW." Thousands pass by without noticing. This semi-biographical article, ranging from elk hunting to dentistry in Haitian slums, delves deeply into the human tragedy behind the industry's fragmentation. Going Zero Carbon: An Approach for Small Business Taking environmental action is good business. Implementing a carbon offset program helps the environment and is also a publicity opportunity. Written by a jewelry manufacturer, but applicable to any small business, the article provides a step by step approach to off set carbon: from resources on line that allow you to calculate the figures, to the writing and sending off a press release. Turning Led into Gold: Ethics in the Jewelry Industry The author, who owns a jewelry company, argues that those in the jewelry industry attempting to fend off critiques from NGOs are actually doing more harm than good. He calls for to a truthful reckoning of the atrocities of environmental and social upheaval. Everyone involved in the industry, from suppliers customer, shares responsibility and moral obligation to create a better future. Blue Ocean Strategy For Responsible Sourced Jewelry Those in the jewelry industry interested in a fair and ethical sourcing can differentiate themselves from the industry as a whole, and create a new market category with tremendous potential. This article, based on the book, Blue Ocean Strategy, gives some initial tactics for this emerging movement within the retail sector of the jewelry industry, to capture new markets. The Universal Meaning of Celtic Knots Knot work designs are thought of as "Celtic," but actually, they are found all over the world. This article, by the president of a leading Celtic jewelry company, discusses his experiences finding these knot motifs all over the world starting in South India. He then goes on to explain their "universal meaning" based on a sacred view of geometric shapes as found in nature.	Sign Up for a free account or learn more. 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