Reciprocity Jewels: A Collective Vision for Responsible Jewelry and Artisanal Empowerment
As co-founder of Reciprocity Jewels, I’m thrilled to share the details of our upcoming Reciprocity Jewels 2024 exhibition at NYC Jewelry Week, taking place from November 19-21.
This event represents everything I stand for in my work as a designer and ethical advocate—a commitment to building relationships that bring true transparency and reciprocity into the jewelry supply chain. Our exhibition is not just about beautiful creations; it’s about the stories, lives, and landscapes behind each piece, woven together in a celebration of the journey from raw material to treasured jewel.
Reciprocity Jewels was founded with the Andean principle of Ayni in mind, meaning reciprocity—a timeless commitment to balance and respect between humanity and nature. This guiding philosophy underpins our collaborations with the miners of AMATAF, a Peruvian artisanal mining collective in Madre de Dios, located in the Amazon. These miners are more than partners; they’re pioneers, trained by Co-Founder Andrea Jose and Pure Earth to mine without toxic mercury while reforesting their lands. Their Fairmined-certified gold status represents a deep commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and a shared respect for the resources we all depend on.
A Journey of Collaboration: From Peru to NYC
This year’s exhibition curated by Co-Founder Jackie Barbosa brings together 20 independent designers from around the world, each bringing a unique voice and commitment to our shared values. The work of these artists, including my own, embodies the principle that jewelry is more than adornment—it’s a bridge connecting the hands that mine and shape the jewels to the hearts that wear and cherish them. Together, we’re creating not only beautiful pieces but also opportunities for tangible impact in artisanal communities.
The exhibition is hosted at Berimbau, where the vibrant Brazilian-inspired atmosphere, complete with hand-painted jungle murals by artist Jeffer Zion, reflects our deep connection to nature. This setting provides an immersive experience, aligning with our mission to foster an ethical, reciprocal jewelry industry, and curate a memorable experience that highlights the role of ethical sourcing and community empowerment.
The Art of Reciprocity: My Journey in Jewels
Each year, I design a piece for the Reciprocity Jewels exhibition to reflect my dedication to the environment and ethical sourcing. These pieces are more than jewelry—they’re symbols of the interconnection between land, water, and air, and our responsibility to protect them.
My Reciprocity creative journey began with an octopus, a creature emblematic of our oceans and a reminder of the need to keep our seas and rivers free of mercury and pollutants. Inspired by this, I crafted the octopus with swirling tentacles over a large seawater pearl to evoke the beauty of clean, flowing water.
The following year, I carved a powerful puma to represent the land, calling attention to the soil and forests affected by traditional mining. The puma is a creature deeply connected to the land’s resilience, embodying strength and vitality.
This year, I’m unveiling a snake climbing gracefully up a monstera plant—a symbol of clean air and the delicate balance between nature and human industry. This snake brooch serves as a reminder that our actions today affect the air we breathe tomorrow, symbolizing the necessity of protecting our forests and natural habitats for future generations.
These designs are my way of honoring the earth’s elements and advocating for a jewelry industry that respects our planet.
Event Highlights: Join Us for an Inspiring Week
The Reciprocity Jewels exhibition offers multiple events to connect with and learn from leaders and advocates in ethical sourcing and conservation. Join us at Berimbau’s second-floor private event space, located at 3 West 36th Street, New York, NY, to experience the transformative potential of responsible jewelry.
Opening Day : November 19
On November 19, our exhibition opens from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, welcoming visitors to explore a diverse array of jewelry crafted with responsibly sourced materials.
A special highlight of the day is our 4:30 PM panel, “From Drops to Rivers of Change: The Power of Collaboration in Responsible Sourcing,” moderated by Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council. The panel features Caroline Baylor, Program Manager at Pure Earth; Cristina Villegas, Director of Sustainable Markets for PACT; Jennifer Gandia, Co-owner at Greenwich St. Jewelers; and my Co-Founder, designer Dana Bronfman.
RSVP here to attend the panel.
This discussion will delve into the progress and evolution of responsible jewelry sourcing, exploring how collaborative efforts have transformed isolated initiatives into a powerful movement. Dana expresses it beautifully: “The journey of responsible sourcing has transformed from isolated drops of effort into a powerful, collaborative river of change.” Attendees will gain insights into the lasting impact of responsible sourcing on communities like those in the Amazon Recirpocity Jewels works with, and how we can all contribute to an ethical future in jewelry.
Exhibition Days November 20-21: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The exhibition continues on November 20 and 21, open to the public from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. On the 21st, we have a special feature—an exclusive panel discussion titled “Weaving Reciprocity: Solutions from the Amazon for a Better Future.” Hosted by Neofibers and the Wyss Academy, this afternoon session features thought leaders from South America who are pioneering sustainable approaches to conservation and design.
Speakers include 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 and Reciprocity Jewels co-founder. This panel will focus on innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the Amazon, with a particular focus on sustainable natural fibers and conservation-focused jewelry design. Following the panel, there will be a roundtable discussion from 1:30-2:00 PM, and a networking cocktail event from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with leaders in ethical sourcing and sustainable design. Light Peruvian bites and refreshments will be provided by Berimbau, adding a culinary taste of the Amazon to our event.
RSVP here to attend the panel and reception
The exhibition will conclude on the evening of November 21.
Supporting Pure Earth and Sustainable Mining Practices
As we strive for a more ethical jewelry industry, a portion of our exhibition’s proceeds will benefit Pure Earth, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable mining practices around the world. Since 1999, Pure Earth has worked to protect communities from toxic pollutants, including mercury, often used in traditional mining. Their collaboration with artisanal miners in Madre de Dios aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmentally responsible jewelry and community empowerment.
Experience Reciprocity Jewels at NYC Jewelry Week
At Reciprocity Jewels, we believe that the journey of each piece of jewelry is as meaningful as the finished product. Our goal is to create a transparent, sustainable jewelry supply chain that uplifts every hand that touches it—from the miner to the designer to the wearer.
We invite you to join us at NYC Jewelry Week to see the impact of our work and to become part of a legacy that honors the beauty of nature, the dignity of artisanal craftsmanship, and the potential of collaborative change.
For more details on the event and registration, visit NYC Jewelry Week’s website or our website at reciprocityjewels.com. Together, let’s continue building a jewelry industry that’s as radiant as it is responsible.
With love and gratitude,
Delphine
Gratitude to Our Partners
Reciprocity Jewels is profoundly grateful for the support of our partners. Wyss Academy for Nature, based in Switzerland, has been instrumental in driving conservation efforts in the Amazon, including their collaboration with Neofibers. Together, they are creating a unique bio-jewelry collection with indigenous communities from Madre de Dios, the Amazon region where our gold is sourced for Reciprocity Jewels, highlighting sustainable luxury and cultural preservation.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Berimbau, whose private event space will bring the spirit of the Amazon to life in the heart of New York City. This Brazilian-inspired restaurant, with a stunning jungle-themed ceiling mural, offers the perfect setting for our vision. Additionally, we are honored to have the support of PromPeru, whose mission to foster economic and cultural bonds between Peru and the United States strengthens our dedication to ethical sourcing.
