The Positive Luxury Awards celebrate the brands, retailers and suppliers leading the way in sustainability – those driving innovation, creating real impact and setting higher standards across the luxury industry supply chain. Each year the Awards are judged by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts. We spoke with Katie Gillespie, Ruth Faulkner and Kesah Trowell, members of the 2025 Jewellery Business of the Year judging panel, to ask what sustainability leadership looks like today, what stood out from the entries – and how innovation is evolving across the luxury landscape.
Katie Gillespie
Compliance & Policy Manager | National Association of Jewellers
What were you looking for as a judge from the shortlist?
Genuine commitment to sustainability, innovation, and transparency. I assessed businesses based on their size and resources, focusing on responsible sourcing, carbon reduction, traceability, and employee welfare.
Why is it important for the Positive Luxury Awards to celebrate innovation and sustainability?
It’s a given that luxury brands shape trends. Recognising pioneers in sustainability not only rewards their efforts but also drives wider adoption of responsible practices.
How important is transparency around sustainability initiatives to consumers?
Essential. Consumers demand accountability and informed choices. Clear reporting, like carbon labelling and sustainability reports, builds trust and prevents greenwashing.
Why are you supporting the work Positive Luxury is doing?
Positive Luxury is pushing the industry towards real change by recognising businesses that have embedded sustainability at their core, not just as an optional add on with no real passion behind it.
Why should luxury businesses invest in sustainability during economic uncertainty?
Sustainability strengthens businesses by building trust and long term value. With growing regulations and consumer demand, it should be seen as an investment, not a cost.
Ruth Faulkner
Managing Editor | Retail Jeweller
What were you looking for as a judge from the shortlist?
As a judge, I was looking for brands that demonstrated a genuine, measurable commitment to sustainability – beyond just words or marketing. I focused on how brands were integrating sustainability into their entire business model. Transparency and accountability were also key factors; I wanted to see real impact rather than just good intentions.
Why is it important for the Positive Luxury Awards to celebrate innovation and sustainability?
The luxury industry has a significant influence on global supply chains, so recognising leaders in sustainability helps set a higher standard for the entire sector. By celebrating innovation, we encourage brands to push boundaries – whether that’s through pioneering materials, responsible craftsmanship, or fair labour practices. These awards also highlight the progress being made, inspiring other businesses to follow suit and proving that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.
How important do you think transparency around sustainability initiatives is to the consumer?
Transparency is critical. Today’s consumers are more informed and conscious of their purchasing decisions, especially in the luxury market where provenance and ethics are increasingly valued. Greenwashing is a real issue, so brands need to back up their sustainability claims with data and clear reporting.
Why are you supporting the work Positive Luxury is doing?
Positive Luxury plays a vital role in driving meaningful change within the industry by holding brands accountable and offering them a framework to improve. The Butterfly Mark certification sets a benchmark for responsible business best practices.
In the current economic uncertainty, why should luxury businesses invest in sustainability?
Sustainability isn’t just a moral choice – it’s a smart business strategy. Consumers are increasingly loyal to brands that align with their values, and regulatory pressures around environmental and social responsibility are only increasing. Investing in sustainability now helps future-proof businesses against these changes, ensuring long-term resilience and relevance. In tough economic times, consumers may buy less, but they are more discerning.
Kesah Trowell
Group Head of Sustainability & ESG | Watches of Switzerland
What were you looking for as a judge from the shortlist?
I was on the look-out for jewellery businesses that shine across the many facets of sustainability – from ethics and approach, to innovation, design and delivery. The shortlist didn’t disappoint, with each entry demonstrating a compelling commitment to people, planet and positive luxury.
Why is it important for the Positive Luxury Awards to celebrate innovation and sustainability?
Our future depends on us developing new ideas, methods and technologies to preserve finite resource and protect human rights and natural habitats. Businesses that challenge the status quo in search of more efficient, sustainable and/or ethical ways of doing things should be celebrated!
How important do you think transparency around sustainability initiatives is to the consumer?
In this connected world, reputation matters – and this is particularly important with jewellery, as it’s often symbolic of an individual’s lifestyle and values. Companies that aren’t transparent – or truthful – with consumers, are likely to lose loyalty and trust, and may even face financial penalties and ruin. No one is perfect, but I think there’s respect for companies that do their best and bring consumers along on their journey.
Why are you supporting the work Positive Luxury is doing?
A problem shared is a problem halved, so the more companies that get involved in helping to overcome environmental and social challenges, the greater the chance we’ll have of securing a more sustainable future for all. Positive Luxury work to promote and support this collaboration across our luxury sector, helping businesses to navigate the complexities and, importantly, shine a light on successes.
POSITIVE LUXURY AWARDS WINNERS REPORT 2025
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