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.
The Latest
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 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.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
