Gems are beautiful to behold. However, gems can also create a difference in many artisans’ lives and the lives of those in need, especially when jewelry making is promoted for a cause, supports a cause or creates jobs for those in need of support.
There are many other ways jewelry can be more than just a pretty accessory when jewelry makers use sustainable materials and resources from those in need. 
We’ve put together some of the different ways jewelry making can create a positive effect in the world. But first, some background on the importance of giving.
The Importance of Having a Philanthropic Mission
In what feels like an overly commercial world, it’s important for companies
to have a philanthropic mission so that their footprint doesn’t just focus on the bottom line but also provides the surrounding community with support or helps sustain the environment.
Threefold Returns
Dedicating part of what we do as a business to a charitable cause creates a threefold return for the investment we make.
First, the money donated or assistance provided to a charitable cause gives back to the community, which we are all a part of, thus improving all our lives.
Second, the act of giving feels and looks good to everyone involved simply because it is good.  This is especially so when it is done in a sustainable way by providing training or economic opportunities to disadvantaged groups. This concept builds on the importance of teaching someone to fish, rather than giving them fish, so they’re fed, and you are too.
The third way a philanthropic mission pays its worth back is that it is a deductible expense, which contributes to company marketing.
Companies must invest in marketing anyway, so why not make it philanthropic. 
Philanthropy is an all-round great way to participate
— especially in artistic positive energy ventures such as gemstones and jewelry.
Here are 11 of our favorite ways gems and jewelry engender generosity and a better world:

1.     
Creating Jobs for Artisans and Groups in Need
Artisans from sectors that are impoverished, poorly skilled or unable to find traditional work can be trained to perform some of the simpler jewelry making processes. This work can lead to entrepreneurial schemes for poverty-stricken communities by providing skills and regular work for low-skilled workers.
Non-profit organizations, similar to Akola
or Ten Thousand Villages
, have been created to facilitate work creation, training and administration of these schemes for disadvantaged groups to become jewelry makers.
Non-profits can connect under-developed communities with a market for their work and empower the communities to self-manage.

2.     
Raising Awareness of a Cause

“Awareness jewelry” can help promote a cause by the motif behind the jewelry.
For example, the familiar pink ribbon for breast cancer is well known. However, there is a large range of colors available for showing support for other causes, as well as other symbols that show support. 
Aside from awareness ribbons, many charitable causes and non-profits have emblems that can be incorporated into jewelry makers’ designs.

3.     
A Small Amount Can Go A Long Way
Donating even a small portion of every sale to a charitable cause can help create immense community benefits from creating jewelry.
The small amount generated from each sale goes a long way to help a needy cause. Additionally, customers recognize that the company cares, employees feel the company cares and it feels good to help the effort because it is a good one.
The revenue generated from helping a charitable cause is far more effective in marketing, and it creates a wider positive impact.

4.     
Providing Different Ways to Show Support
A piece of jewelry can offer the wearer different ways to show support by employing a color related to a symbol of a helpful organization or a charitable cause. This can include color combination choices, individual jewelry design or specific symbolism.

5.     
Partnering with a Cause
Jewelry makers that partner with artisans or groups in need for the supply of materials or products help support a cause. The partnership benefits individuals, groups and the wider society.
This partnership can happen in one of three ways: direct support, employment or business relationships.
Jewelry making may directly support a cause through a donation from proceeds, it may promote employment of disadvantaged groups or jewelry makers may purchase materials from groups in need or groups that support a cause. 
All three ways provide direct support for a cause through the art of jewelry making.

6.     
Inspiring Creativity
Jewelry making inspires creativity amongst both artisans and those who choose to wear the art. A beautiful piece of jewelry is an artistic masterpiece. Natural gemstones also inspire creativity by their natural beauty of form, color and combinations.
Creativity helps spread positivity and brightens our environment.

7.     
Fostering Individuality

Jewelry making can provide an individual statement through art, color and combination choices, or from the individual formation of natural gemstones and pearls. 
The individuality of jewelry provides a unique and elegant way to show support for a cause.
Many gemstones
and soft metal beads like copper
are handmade or hand finished, which provides uniqueness in every item and supports the artisanal approach.

8.     
Teaching Special Needs or Disadvantaged Groups Jewelry Making
Jewelry makers can offer free craft workshops for special needs and disadvantaged groups, which provide a positive impact on society.
Sharing the trade via creative workshops showcases a jewelry creator’s skill while assisting the community group in learning new skills, building self-esteem and enjoying a creative act.

9.     
Promoting Use of Natural Materials
A jewelry maker that promotes renewable natural resources will assist in improving environmental impact from their creations.
Supporting jewelry makers that use naturally renewable resources helps everyone feel better knowing that the impact of jewelry creation has a positive effect on the world around us.

10. 
Promoting Materials from Sustainable Sources
Jewelry makers who use materials from sustainable sources not only support local communities but can positively impact the environment.

11. 
Assisting Artisans with Support Networks
Jewelry makers in poorer communities can combine into co-ops where networks of artisans can help each other grow. Larger purchasing and distribution sectors can provide support for these initiatives by offering guidance with finances, promoting sustainable wages and offering advice on quality and production for artisans.
Conclusion
Jewelry makers can provide a positive global impact in many ways. When shopping for jewelry, support those that do. Look for jewelry companies, small and large, that support sustainable economic development, support charities, or give back to the community in other ways. Jewelry makers that do this not only look great on the outside but feel great on the inside too.

Brenda Kimble is a writer and stay-at-home mother of two daughters and a son, plus their beagle named Duke! She loves blogging, crafting, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys strolling the streets of her quaint neighborhood in Austin, Texas and finding the trendiest hotspots for fashion, food, and live music.