Policies & IssuesMar 28, 2022
Tiffany Suspends Use of Russian DiamondsMajorsMar 30, 2022
RJC Executive Director Resigns, Major Companies Exit Over Russia Inaction
Iris Van der Veken has quit while Pandora and Richemont are leaving RJC, citing the council’s soft stance on Russian companies.
Pandora and Richemont announced Wednesday that they have left the Responsible Jewellery Council in protest of the organization’s inaction on Russia, and RJC’s own executive director has stepped down for the same reason.
New York—Pandora and Richemont are leaving the Responsible Jewellery Council, the companies announced Wednesday morning, citing the organization’s refusal to cut ties with Russian companies.
Also on Wednesday, sources confirmed to National Jeweler that RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken has resigned over the organization’s handling of Russian diamond giant Alrosa’s membership.
Earlier this month, Alrosa voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of RJC, temporarily leaving the board of directors, but remains a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, according to the organization’s website.
In a press release, Pandora said it had requested RJC suspend Russian companies’ memberships and responsible business certifications and urge its members to stop doing business with Russia, but the RJC did not oblige.
Related stories will be right here …
Also on Wednesday, sources confirmed to National Jeweler that RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken has resigned over the organization’s handling of Russian diamond giant Alrosa’s membership.
Earlier this month, Alrosa voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of RJC, temporarily leaving the board of directors, but remains a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, according to the organization’s website.
In a press release, Pandora said it had requested RJC suspend Russian companies’ memberships and responsible business certifications and urge its members to stop doing business with Russia, but the RJC did not oblige.
“We are shocked and saddened by the unprovoked attack on Ukraine, and our thoughts go to the people of Ukraine, who are victims of this senseless act of military aggression,” said Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik.
“The war requires all businesses to act with the utmost responsibility regarding any interactions or business dealings with Russia and Belarus. Pandora cannot in good faith be a member of an association that does not share our values.”
When asked about Pandora's exit and the company's requests in regard to Russia and Russian member companies, RJC sent the following statement to National Jeweler.
RJC said its board of directors has begun an independent, third-party legal assessment in regard to Alrosa’s membership status.
“This process was commenced to consider the status of Alrosa as an RJC member, to ensure that the appropriate action taken, [and] was done so respecting the principles of natural justice and importantly that it was within the powers of the board,” said RJC Chair David Bouffard.
Bouffard added RJC has to act in line with its constitutional and statutory duties and “discharge its responsibilities in good faith.”
“The RJC appreciates that the pace of this process may be frustrating, but this is an unprecedented situation, which is constantly changing and requires that the time be taken, to ensure that due process is followed as exhaustively as possible. It will however be concluded imminently,” said Bouffard.
Pandora has been a member of the trade organization for 12 years.
As of Feb. 24, Pandora said it suspended all business with Russia and Belarus, and directed its suppliers and business partners not to source raw materials, products or services—directly or indirectly—from the two countries.
Richemont, the luxury conglomerate behind Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, has also left RJC, according to a Reuters report.
Chief Financial Officer Burkhart Grund made a statement to reporters at the Watches & Wonders show currently happening in Geneva.
“We’re not trying to make a statement per se; we’re trying to uphold the very high standards we’ve been shaping over [the] last 15 years. If RJC cannot uphold [the] highest of standards, then we cannot be part of that. That’s why we stepped down,” said Grund.
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication to include a statement from RJC.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
