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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
