The 2024 NYC Jewelry Week Show Unites Miners and Designers to Elevate Sustainable Jewelry Practices
Reciprocity Jewels is proud to announce its much-anticipated 2024 exhibition at NYC Jewelry Week, running from November 19-21. This year’s showcase brings together over 20 designers from around the globe in partnership with artisanal miners from Peru’s Madre de Dios region in the Amazon, where miners are leading the way in mercury-free mining and reforestation practices that have helped them achieve Fairmined certification. Fairmined is an assurance label that guarantees gold sourced from empowered artisanal and small-scale mining organizations that adhere to world-leading standards for ethical practices. This special exhibition, in which designers will present pieces traceable to the gold miners’ names, celebrates responsible sourcing, excellence in design, and a collaborative spirit that transcends borders, highlighting the role of responsible jewelry as both an art and a social movement.
Through direct partnerships with AMATAF collective miners—who receive training from Pure Earth on mercury-free mining and environmental reforestation—Reciprocity Jewels goes beyond business transactions, building personal connections within mining communities. Guided by the Andean principle of Ayni (reciprocity), which celebrates a bond between people and nature, Reciprocity Jewels embodies the Andean proverb “Today for me, tomorrow for you,” signifying a timeless relationship. The philosophy anchors the project’s commitment to a transparent jewelry supply chain that benefits both creators and consumers.
“Geographically isolated miners are vital to a responsible supply chain,” says Reciprocity co-founder and Designer, Delphine Leymarie. “If we fail to invest in them, they’re forced to resort to unsustainable methods just to get by. By working together, we’re not only supporting their livelihoods but also creating solutions to deforestation and transforming the jewelry supply chain into one that truly benefits everyone.”
Co-founded by four dedicated jewelry designers, Reciprocity Jewels seeks to reshape the jewelry supply chain by emphasizing the value of responsibly and transparently sourced materials, specifically Peruvian gold traceable to the miners’ names. Andrea Jose, a Peruvian designer and co-founder, spearheads Production and Partnerships, ensuring artisans are connected to designers who share a commitment to ethical practices. Curator Jacqueline Barbosa meticulously selects designers and creates a beautiful, immersive visual display, bringing exhibition attendees into the Amazonian environment, while Delphine Leymarie oversees finance and project management to ensure the exhibition runs smoothly from concept to completion. Dana Bronfman, leading Communications, shapes the narrative that captures Reciprocity’s mission and resonates with audiences worldwide.
The 2024 Reciprocity Jewels exhibition will feature an impressive roster of independent jewelry brands, from budding designers to well-established jewelers, including: Andrea Jose, Assorted JJAR, BARBOSA, Clarisse Rassi, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, Dana Bronfman, Delphine Leymarie, Delphine Tempels, Emily Chelsea Jewelry, Estudio Alba, GINA MELOSI, Johanna Brierley Jewellery Design, Kathryn the Younger, Melissa Scoppa Fine Jewelry, Moribijoux, Sandrine B. Jewelry, Saskia Shutt Designs, Susan Wheeler Design, TUR Jewellery and ZANGAR. Each brings a distinctive voice to the exhibition through their designs that embody a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Together, they contribute to Reciprocity Jewels’ mission of fostering a transparent and community-centered approach to design.
The 2024 Reciprocity Jewels exhibition takes place at Berimbau Midtown, opening on November 19 at 2:00 PM, with a panel at 4:30 PM titled “From Drops to Rivers of Change: The Power of Collaboration in Responsible Sourcing,” moderated by Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Head of North American Development at Responsible Jewellery Council. Panelists include Caroline Baylor, Program Manager at Pure Earth (who oversees the miners’ training), Cristina Villegas, Director of Sustainable Markets for PACT, Jennifer Gandia, Co-owner at Greenwich St. Jewelers, and Jewelry Designer and Reciprocity Co-Founder, Dana Bronfman. “Sometimes we feel powerless to create impact, like we are only a drop in the ocean. But when we collaborate, we create rivers of change that keep flowing and become oceans” says Dana Bronfman. “Reflecting on growth in the responsible jewelry movement, we’re inspired by how these combined efforts have made a lasting impact, including transformation within the miners of Madre de Dios. This panel will explore the evolution of responsible jewelry from risk avoidance to transformative models that bring dignity and sustainability at every level, and how collaboration can continue to drive positive change across the industry.”
A private reception will follow the panel from 5:30-8:30pm featuring a bespoke Peruvian Amazonian-inspired menu crafted by Berimbau’s renowned Chef Victor Vasconcelos exclusively for Reciprocity Jewels, blending exotic flavors and sustainable ingredients that pair perfectly with signature Pisco Cocktails by Tabernero.
On both November 20 and 21, the exhibition is open to the public from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. On the 21st, Neofibers and the Wyss Academy will host an inspiring afternoon event, titled “Weaving Reciprocity: Solutions from the Amazon for a Better Future.” The panel features Renzo de la Peña, Regional Program Manager for The Wyss Academy for Nature, Eddie Ajalcriña, founder of Neofibers, and Andrea Jose Castro, Engineer and Jewelry Designer at Jarapay B Corp, Co-founder of Reciprocity, who will explore sustainable solutions and inspire collective action for the Amazon. The session will be followed by a roundtable discussion from 1:30-2:00 PM, and a networking cocktail event from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, providing attendees a platform to engage with leaders on conservation-focused design over a late lunch crafted by Berimbau’s celebrated chef.
A portion of the exhibition’s proceeds will benefit Pure Earth, a nonprofit committed to promoting sustainable mining practices worldwide. Founded in 1999, Pure Earth focuses on protecting communities from toxic pollutants like lead and mercury, employing sustainable solutions in collaboration with governments, communities, and industry leaders. By partnering with Pure Earth, Reciprocity Jewels strengthens its commitment to environmental stewardship and community support, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on ethical, sustainable jewelry production.
The collective extends its deepest gratitude to its lead sponsor, the Wyss Academy for Nature at the University of Bern, for its invaluable support of Reciprocity. As a global organization based in Switzerland, Kenya, Madagascar, Laos and Peru, the Wyss Academy has been instrumental in transforming scientific knowledge into actionable conservation projects. Through their South American hub located in Peru, they have spearheaded efforts to conserve the Amazon region, the source of gold for Reciprocity’s jewelry. Their collaboration with Neofibers, a Peruvian fashiontech company, exemplifies a commitment to sustainable luxury and local empowerment. Together, they are showcasing a unique bio-jewelry collection, co-created with renowned designer Sumy Kujon, and two Indigenous communities from Ese Eja and Yine Peoples in Madre de Dios region. Their “SHAY: Together for the Ancestral Art” initiative fosters a meaningful exchange between Western and ancestral arts, preserving traditional techniques and promoting sustainable natural fiber use. The Wyss Academy’s dedication to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation makes them an invaluable partner in Reciprocity’s mission.
Reciprocity Jewels also extends its heartfelt thanks to Berimbau, catering sponsor and gracious space host. Located in the heart of New York City, Berimbau offers a modern take on Brazilian cuisine, which draws inspiration from Brazil’s vibrant natural beauty, offering an unforgettable dining experience that fuses flavor and culture. The exhibition will be hosted in the restaurant’s new private upstairs space, featuring a stunning hand-painted jungle ceiling mural by artist Jeffer Zion. Reciprocity Jewels is also honored to partner with PromPeru, whose mission is to foster economic and cultural bonds between Peru and the United States by promoting Peruvian commerce, investment, and tourism. Their unwavering support plays a vital role in strengthening Reciprocity’s commitment to highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship of ethically sourced Peruvian gold. Together with these dedicated sponsors, Reciprocity Jewels is committed to fostering sustainable and responsible practices in jewelry production, creating a meaningful impact for artisans, miners, and communities around the world.
The Reciprocity Jewels exhibition will run from November 19-21, 2024, in the second-floor private event space of Berimbau at 3 West 36th Street, New York, NY (between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas) with further details and registration available at https://nycjewelryweek.com/events/on-going/exhibition/reciprocity-jewels. For additional information, visit https://reciprocityjewels.com/ or email reciprocityjewels@gmail.com.
About Reciprocity Jewels
Reciprocity Jewels is an initiative dedicated to promoting responsible and traceable jewelry sourcing, celebrating the rich traditions of the Andean communities while ensuring a positive impact for artisanal miners and their families. By connecting designers with Fairmined miners in Madre de Dios, Peru, the collective strives to humanize the jewelry supply chain and create an equitable future for all.
