We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Jennings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The longer I work within the jewelry industry, the more I learn about how the industry is seeking to improve, and about how I as a jeweler can make certain choices to hep move that progression forward. When I first began making jewelry in 2015, I had no idea about Fairmined gold, or traceable mine-to-market stones, or the conditions under which most “hidden” people in the jewelry industry work. There was a lot of press and glamour covering the final product and those that make it, but very little about the ones who are actually mining the gold and precious gemstones. Thanks to the growing access to this kind of information and the amazing community at the helm of the future of jewelry spreading the information (people like Christina T. Miller, Susan Wheeler, and Christine Dhein), I’ve been able to make more informed choices about the materials I choose to use and the communities I choose to support. I want my clients and customers to have access to this information as well, so that they can make more informed choices about the sort of jewelry they buy. Most people aren’t aware that they can make a huge impact by purchasing jewelry made from stones that come from reputable mines and gold that gives back to communities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am where I am today, in terms of my career and livelihood, by staying curious and following the threads of my interests. I started out in fashion design, following many childhood years of sewing and drawing, dreaming of a big career at a fancy couture house in Paris or London. I soon felt, after working in the industry for several years in New York, that the pace of fashion and its lack of sustainable practices did not align with my personal hopes for the future of consumerism. I made a difficult choice to leave New York and everything I’d dreamt about, studied, and pursued to find something creative that did not keep me up at night. I began teaching art to elementary and middle-school aged children which ignited in me a love for play, reimagining, and experimentation. In my free time I began making jewelry at my desk, playing with different materials and and learning new skills. This lead me to a metalsmithing class in a nearby town and the rest is history. I’d love for anyone reading this to know that it’s never too late, to make time for play, and to stay curious. Don’t be afraid to quit and begin, quit and begin.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my partner, David, who has been with me since the very beginning stages of my journey in jewelry and who has been the biggest supporter, cheerleader, and honest-feedback-provider at every step along the way.

Website: www.palm-sunday.com

Instagram: @palm__sunday

Image Credits
Image of me (first photo) is by Chelsea Clayton.

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