The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) announces the launch of their Accredited Ethical Member program (AEM), an online questionnaire which, upon completion, will recognize ICA Members for their responsible, ethical and sustainable trading practices.
In accordance with ICA's mission to provide greater consumer confidence, the AEM will lift awareness and improve the practices of their members in responsible, ethical and sustainable colored gemstone trading.
The AEM is an educational tool, promoting best practices amongst ICA members. This not only improves consumer confidence, but it also enhances industry good-will.
The creation of the AEM was no small task. ICA has worked closely for the past several years with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), developing strategies to continuously improve how colored gemstones are traded.
The accreditation program was designed exclusively for ICA members as a practical self-audit* and a voluntary pledge on responsible sourcing. The program is also a stimulus for continuous improvement. "It is intended that ICA members who undertake this accreditation process will understand more fully their duty of care within the gem and jewellery supply chain and improve the practices within their organisation," says Damien Cody, of Cody Opal, Melbourne Australia, and chair of the AEM program.
The AEM consists of a series of steps containing key ICA and industry objectives outlining the elements of responsible sourcing. This includes the ICA Code of Ethics, Duties of Disclosure and CIBJO's Responsible Sourcing Book. Upon submission and satisfactory completion, ICA grants the member status of Accredited Ethical Member (AEM). Each AEM receives holographic AEM seals that can be affixed to sales dockets and invoices as evidence that the member has been granted the AEM accreditation.
"Members who complete the online accreditation will now be listed as an ICA Accredited Ethical Member in the ICA's online membership directory," says Gary Roskin, CEO of the ICA, "and be using the holographic seals to validate their accreditation." To maintain the AEM status, members will need to undertake the accreditation online each year and be a member in good standing.
