The Ethics of Beauty: Rethinking Value in a Post-Luxury Era

What does ‘precious’ mean today, and how does this impact independent jewellery designers?

Luxury is changing. Customers are asking different questions: Where did this gold come from? Was this stone ethically sourced? Who made this piece, and what does it mean?

For independent jewellery designers and makers, this shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. With consumers moving away from traditional ideas of wealth and status, how do we define value in today’s jewellery world? Is it still about rare materials, or is it about craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal meaning?

Join us at FORGE during London Craft Week and be part of this essential discussion.

Limited places. Booking essential!

What will we explore?

Beyond Gold & Diamonds: Can independent jewellers thrive without relying on traditional ‘luxury’ materials?


Sustainability & Ethics: How do small makers compete when customers demand traceability and responsible sourcing?


Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Are lab-grown stones the future, or does emotional value still lie in the rare and the unique?


Resale & Remodelling: Will customers own less and repurpose more? How can jewellers build businesses around this?


The New Luxury: Craftsmanship & Storytelling: Handmade, one-of-a-kind, personal—are independent jewellers the new luxury brands?

Who is on the panel?

Chair: Dr. Nadya Ostroff

Nadya is subject Leader for MA Luxury Business Management at University for the Creative Arts where postgraduate students study the business of excellence and become future leaders across the luxury sectors. 

Nadya's outstanding contributions to luxury, vintage, preloved antique textiles, jewellery and accessories have been widely recognised. She has sourced items now housed in some of the world's leading national and brand archive museums such as the Gucci Museo in Florence as well as gracing film and television screens such as Downton Abbey and The Village and contributing to archival research.

Growing up in a family of professional luxury specialists and craftspeople, ‘Dr.NO’ founded the Navigating Luxury Conference to pay homage to the creators and workers throughout the luxury industry sector, as well as to educate those that are interested in learning about excellence. This year's NLC 2025 will be 2nd July at the University Women's Club (by invitation). 

As Dr.NO she contributes to the prestigious arts and culture The Protagonist Magazine as well as a moderator for one of the largest luxury fashion global community platforms online and is currently working on articles for Critical Posthuman Art and Communication in Arts & Communication Journal. 

Dr. Nadya Ostroff:  BA Hons; MA; PhD; SFHEA; GIA AJP; De Beers Cert. Achievm.
Senior Lecturer Fashion & Luxury Business 
Subject Leader - Luxury Business Management MA

Panel Members:

Kathry Bishop

Kathryn is researcher, writer, and editor specialising in consumer insights, trends, and foresight. Her work centres on luxury, retail, and consumer behaviours, with a close eye on shifting markers of luxury and status. Kathryn has a decade’s experience working with leading foresight organisations including The Future Laboratory, Adorn Insight, SPACE10, FranklinTill, and WGSN.

Kathryn's work lands at the intersection of futures research and content, producing in-depth futures reports and thought leadership for global brands and organisations. Kathryn has presented trends and keynotes at events including Cannes Lions, The Walpole Luxury Summit, Business of Fashion, and The Future Laboratory's Futures Forums. Her work has been featured in global media including Vogue Business, The Guardian, The BBC, Stylist, and Raconteur.

Full Panel to be announced soon! 

Who are the special audience guests?

To be announced soon!

Why should you attend?

As an independent jewellery designer or maker, this is your chance to:


— Gain practical insights on how to position your work in a changing industry.


— Understand what modern customers want and how to communicate the value of your craft.


— Discover new ways to source materials, price your work, and compete against mass production.


— Learn how to future-proof your business by embracing sustainability, personalisation, and ethical making.

The future of jewellery is being redefined, make sure you’re part of the conversation.

What will happen on the evening?

6.00pm: Welcome drinks

6.20pm: Panel discussion followed by open floor comments and questions. 

7.30pm: Drinks and mingle

8.30pm: Close

Who is it for?

Everyone interested in the benefits of creativity, education, learning, creative spaces, open access spaces, creative hubs and the future of craft learning, making and business. 

What should I bring?

- Note book and pen

- Glasses (if you need them!)

How do I get there? 

FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London.  EC1N 7TJ

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.