Lab-GrownSep 27, 2021
RJC Is Developing a Standard for Lab-Grown Diamonds, GemsPolicies & IssuesSep 30, 2021
Brad Brooks-Rubin Joins RJC as North American Lead
He was the former special advisor for conflict diamonds at the U.S. State Department.
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council has tapped Brad Brooks-Rubin, the former special advisor for conflict diamonds at the U.S. State Department, to be its lead in Washington, D.C.
With the official title of strategic advisor and North American engagement lead, he will be responsible for advancing policy and deepening connections among international policymakers, NGOs, and RJC member companies.
In a press release announcing his appointment, Brooks-Rubin said he is “thrilled” to join RJC at what he sees as a critical time for the jewelry and watch supply chain.
“Urgent issues related to climate, human and labor rights, gender/racial equity, and sustainable development face the industry—and planet,” he said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to build on my years of experience connected to the industry and engage with policymakers in Washington to bring the industry’s efforts forward.
“I also look forward to working closely with current and future members to ensure they have the support they need to implement the RJC Code of Practices standard.”
Related stories will be right here …
With the official title of strategic advisor and North American engagement lead, he will be responsible for advancing policy and deepening connections among international policymakers, NGOs, and RJC member companies.
In a press release announcing his appointment, Brooks-Rubin said he is “thrilled” to join RJC at what he sees as a critical time for the jewelry and watch supply chain.
“Urgent issues related to climate, human and labor rights, gender/racial equity, and sustainable development face the industry—and planet,” he said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to build on my years of experience connected to the industry and engage with policymakers in Washington to bring the industry’s efforts forward.
“I also look forward to working closely with current and future members to ensure they have the support they need to implement the RJC Code of Practices standard.”
He will be based in D.C. and continue in his current role as senior advisor at The Sentry. Co-founded by George Clooney and John Prendergast, The Sentry is an investigative and policy team that seeks to shut war profiteers out of the international financial system.
Previously, in addition to his role at the State Department, Brooks-Rubin worked as director of global development and beneficiation at GIA and as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
He won the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Stanley Schechter Award in 2014 and is a published author.
Brooks-Rubin holds a law degree from Georgetown and a bachelor’s from Washington University in St. Louis.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
