Press Release

For the Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Krikawa
(520) 322-6090


Bridal Jewelry Designer Certified as Socially Responsible

TUCSON, AZ – The online bridal designer, Krikawa.com is proud to announce that it has earned recertification by the Responsible Jewelry Council for a full three year term. Krikawa earned this prestigious certification after a rigorous, voluntary, four-month audit process. The independent audit firm Underwriters Laboratory (UL) scrutinized Krikawa’s operations, concluding that Krikawa conformed to RJC’s strict guidelines for corporate social responsibility.  Krikawa is one of only 58 retailers worldwide certified by RJC.

“It is a pleasure to announce Krikawa Jewelry Designs has been certified against the 2013 COP (Code of Practices). The new provisions under the 2013 COP address important issues for our Members and their supply chain. We are delighted to see Members achieving Certification against the standard and warmly congratulate Krikawa Jewelry Designs,” says Andrew Bone, RJC’s Executive Director.

The London-based Responsible Jewellery Council is an international, non-profit standards  organization established to reinforce consumer confidence in the jewelry industry by advancing socially responsible business practices throughout the diamond, gold and platinum jewelry supply chain.  No bride wants to imagine that her engagement ring involved environmental destruction or worker mistreatment.
RJC guidelines cover all aspects of the jewelry supply chain from mining to retailing. In the recertification process, UL evaluated Krikawa’s manufacturing practices, worker safety and treatment, and systems for ensuring product integrity and security. In addition, Krikawa’s compliance with the United Nations’ Kimberley Process and its system of protocols ensuring that Krikawa uses only ethically-sourced metals, diamonds and gemstones were verified.
Lastly, Krikawa’s financial records were evaluated to ensure compliance with anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering statutes. The stringent audit process resulted in full recertification of Krikawa by RJC.
"Certification by the RJC is of utmost important to our company in demonstrating our commitment to being socially responsible and eco-friendly. The RJC’s certification standards, while rigorous, are absolutely necessary for the jewelry industry if we are to have a positive impact on the planet and humanity. As Krikawa Jewelry Designs begins its seventh year as an RJC certified designer, I can state with pride that all of our employees are aware of the responsibility that we as jewelry designers have to future generations and operate at a level of consciousness that is consistent with best industry practices," said Lisa Krikawa, CEO of Krikawa Jewelry Designs.

For further information please contact: Lisa Krikawa at 520-322-6090 or http://www.krikawa.com

About Krikawa Jewelry Designs
Since 1998, Krikawa has specialized in custom jewelry design for a worldwide audience. Krikawa.com is internationally recognized for unique engagement ring designs‑- direct to the public, and their intricate work with Mokume Gane. Krikawa is a member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers of America, and, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, and the Chamber of Commerce. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Krikawa
(520) 322-6090


Downtown Creatives Collaborate with Powerful Results
 
TUCSON, AZ – As downtown development comes to life, shared community roots begin to blossom into fantastic collaborations. Lisa Krikawa, head designer and founder of Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery, completed her University of Arizona Gallery Management internship under the tutelage of Terry Etherton of Etherton Gallery. Twenty years later, this powerhouse duo of creativity and downtown revitalization are collaborating again.
 
Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery—located in the historic Daniel’s Jewelers storefront—features Lisa Krikawa’s original jewelry designs and the works of other Arizona artists. The gallery and workspace employs seven University of Arizona alumni. Since moving her company to downtown Tucson, Krikawa has been dedicated to a hearty involvement in the exciting downtown scene. The superlative Etherton Gallery enjoys a keystone niche in downtown’s draw. It was simply genius to unite these galleries together in a single space, for a limited-time public art exhibition.
The resulting exhibit, Sparklegasm! brings together visually stunning pieces of wearable art and provocative works from Etherton’s black and white archives. Sparklegasm! is a feast for the eyes and a downtown treasure to be shared with lovers, downtown and beyond.
 
With their University of Arizona pride, love for community, and understanding of what makes Tucson special, Lisa and Terry look forward to producing more shows together. “Seeing more and more people come downtown for shopping, dining, music and art makes us proud to be Tucsonans! The ‘Old Pueblo’ has continued to revitalize and persevere through the years. Tucson is gaining a worldwide reputation as an art, food and entertainment destination and it is exciting to be a part of it.”—Lisa Krikawa

Sparklegasm! features archival photographic works curated by Terry Etherton and jewelry curated by Lisa Krikawa. Sparklegasm! is open to the public through spring. Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery is located at 21 East Congress Street.

About Krikawa: Since 1998, Krikawa has specialized in custom jewelry design and manufacture in its Tucson, Arizona studio. Krikawa is internationally recognized for unique designs and intricate work with Mokume Gane. In 2014, Krikawa relocated to downtown Tucson and expanded to include a curated art gallery featuring works from artists nationwide. Krikawa is a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, the international organization which sets industry standards for ethical and responsible jewelry practices; American Gem Trade Association; Jewelers of America; Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, which promotes professional excellence in jewelry making and design; and Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce.
About Etherton Gallery: Established in 1981, Etherton Gallery specializes in vintage and contemporary fine art photography, paintings, prints, sculpture, and mixed-media works by local and regional artists. The gallery has been voted “Best Gallery” in Tucson for twelve years running. Terry Etherton is an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers.
For more information, please visit www.krikawa.com/studio, or call Lisa Krikawa at 520-322-6090