EditorsApr 01, 2022
What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Responsible’? MajorsApr 04, 2022
Alrosa Suspends RJC Membership
The Russian diamond miner’s membership had been a point of contention, causing major companies to leave the organization.
Alrosa has suspended its Responsible Jewellery Council membership, a decision the RJC board voted to accept. Pictured here is a selection of rough diamonds from Alrosa. (Image courtesy of Alrosa)
New York—Alrosa has suspended its membership in the Responsible Jewellery Council in light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the company announced late last week.
The RJC board has voted to accept the suspension, the organization said in a separate statement issued a few hours after Alrosa’s announcement Friday.
“Due to the current unprecedented realities, Alrosa, as a company that cares for the industry as much as it cares for its mining communities, has decided to suspend its membership in the RJC,” said Alrosa.
The company said it will continue to uphold high standards of responsible business conduct and ethics, describing itself as “one of the major contributors to the sustainable development of this industry.”
“We have always stayed upfront on the sustainability agenda in diamond mining with clear vision as to our responsibilities to the communities and the regions of our operations, as well as how we run our business with our suppliers and clients. Our industry commitments are here to stay, as our full support to the RJC’s mission.”
The Russian company, which is one-third owned by the government, remains under U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its continued membership in RJC had been a point of contention among members.
Pandora, Richemont and Kering confirmed publicly they were leaving RJC last week, citing the organization’s refusal to cut ties with Russian companies.
Watches of Switzerland did the same in a statement issued Thursday, noting that RJC’s approach to handling the situation “goes against the common values we expect from our industry in response to the situation.”
And designer Stephen Webster said in a statement he had withdrawn his application to be an RJC member.
“Our brand philosophy is to build a business to be a force for good, and we only look to collaborate with those who embody these same values,” said Webster.
RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken has also resigned over the organization’s handling of Alrosa’s membership.
Related stories will be right here …
The RJC board has voted to accept the suspension, the organization said in a separate statement issued a few hours after Alrosa’s announcement Friday.
“Due to the current unprecedented realities, Alrosa, as a company that cares for the industry as much as it cares for its mining communities, has decided to suspend its membership in the RJC,” said Alrosa.
The company said it will continue to uphold high standards of responsible business conduct and ethics, describing itself as “one of the major contributors to the sustainable development of this industry.”
“We have always stayed upfront on the sustainability agenda in diamond mining with clear vision as to our responsibilities to the communities and the regions of our operations, as well as how we run our business with our suppliers and clients. Our industry commitments are here to stay, as our full support to the RJC’s mission.”
The Russian company, which is one-third owned by the government, remains under U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its continued membership in RJC had been a point of contention among members.
Pandora, Richemont and Kering confirmed publicly they were leaving RJC last week, citing the organization’s refusal to cut ties with Russian companies.
Watches of Switzerland did the same in a statement issued Thursday, noting that RJC’s approach to handling the situation “goes against the common values we expect from our industry in response to the situation.”
And designer Stephen Webster said in a statement he had withdrawn his application to be an RJC member.
“Our brand philosophy is to build a business to be a force for good, and we only look to collaborate with those who embody these same values,” said Webster.
RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken has also resigned over the organization’s handling of Alrosa’s membership.
In March, Alrosa stepped down as vice chair of the RJC but retained its RJC membership.
RJC said its board of directors began an independent, third-party legal assessment on March 3 in regard to Alrosa’s membership status.
As new sanctions rolled out in the U.S. and the U.K., more time was needed to complete the review, said RJC.
“We take governance seriously and want to ensure that any action we take is fully supported by law,” said RJC Chair David Bouffard.
RJC said it needed to ensure it had the authority, as per its constitutional documents, to take action, adding that taking any action before the legal review was completed would have exposed the organization to significant legal risk.
“The board of the RJC understands and respects Alrosa’s decision to suspend its membership and thanks them for their commitment over the last five years,” said Bouffard.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
