~ Situation Briefing by Marc Choyt, Publisher Columbia Gem House (CGH) of Vancouver, Washington, has nearly completed a process they began several years ago to trademark and monopolize the term, “Fair Trade Gems.”  If CGH is successful, they will own that term in the marketplace. The notion that one company can file a lawsuit against

~ By Marc Choyt Artisan-Owned Direct Distribution Model Fair Trade For Artisans In the “fair trade” world, many businesses source their products not from artisans and producers as implied by the familiar fair trade narratives. Rather, the fair trade suppliers to retail stores are – perhaps with few exceptions- commercial consolidators and intermediary wholesalers. Consequently,

Publisher’s Note: Rubyfair, a mining project involving fair trade rubies from Tanzania has been operating for about a year now, supplying jewelers primarily in the UK. My company, Reflective Images, has just recently become the sales agent for US jewelers and consumers interested in these stones. Those interested in these rubies can contact me directly