MajorsApr 04, 2022
Alrosa Suspends RJC MembershipPolicies & IssuesApr 05, 2022
RJC Seeking Second Round of Comments on Code of Practices Update
The organization began updating its Code of Practices last year, focusing on mining, precious metals, colored gemstones, and labs.
London—Those who want to comment on the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Code of Practices can now do so.
RJC began the process of updating its Code of Practices 2019 standard last year.
The update addresses points of mining, precious metals, colored gemstones, and labs, the organization said. It also noted it’s exploring an expansion of the scope of colored gemstone material.
RJC added colored stones to its certification in 2016, and announced last fall it was developing a set of standards for lab-grown diamonds as well.
This is the second round of commentary being accepted on the recent updates. The first round came in the fall; RJC provided a summary of those comments on its website and amended the draft based on the feedback.
It’s now open for another round of public feedback until Friday, April 29.
The draft for Round 2 is on the RJC website.
Comments can be submitted via this online form.
Related stories will be right here …
RJC began the process of updating its Code of Practices 2019 standard last year.
The update addresses points of mining, precious metals, colored gemstones, and labs, the organization said. It also noted it’s exploring an expansion of the scope of colored gemstone material.
RJC added colored stones to its certification in 2016, and announced last fall it was developing a set of standards for lab-grown diamonds as well.
This is the second round of commentary being accepted on the recent updates. The first round came in the fall; RJC provided a summary of those comments on its website and amended the draft based on the feedback.
It’s now open for another round of public feedback until Friday, April 29.
The draft for Round 2 is on the RJC website.
Comments can be submitted via this online form.
The period of public consultation comes while the RJC is in the middle of much industry conversation in the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Executive Director Iris Van der Veken resigned from her role at the organization on March 30 over its handling of Russian diamond giant Alrosa’s membership.
Coinciding with that was the news that Pandora and Richemont were leaving the RJC, citing the organization’s refusal to cut ties with Russian companies. They were followed shortly after by Kering and Watches of Switzerland.
In early March, Alrosa voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of RJC, temporarily leaving the board of directors, but remained a certified member of RJC until the diamond miner opted to suspend its own membership last Friday.
RJC said its board of directors began an independent, third-party legal assessment on March 3 regarding Alrosa’s membership status but added that as new sanctions rolled out in the U.S. and U.K. it needed more time to complete the review, ensuring any action taken was fully supported by law.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 31, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: How About a Word for the New Year?It begins with a “t” and ends with a “c” and is imbued with warmth and positivity, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsJan 31, 2023
Indian Jewelry Brand Tanishq Opens First U.S. Store, More on the WayThe jeweler’s expansion plans include 20 to 30 more stores in North America and the Middle East over the next two to three years.
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2023
Gucci Is Getting a Gem AwardThe Italian luxury brand will receive the first Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsJan 31, 2023
Martin Flyer Names New VP of Business DevelopmentIndustry veteran Kevin Lane has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 26, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsJan 30, 2023
Researchers Uncover Bejeweled ‘Golden Boy’ MummyThe ancient Egyptian teenager was buried 2,300 years ago with 49 amulets to guide him through the afterlife.
SurveysJan 30, 2023
Consumers Embracing Non-Traditional Ways to Mark Valentine’s Day The NRF’s annual survey shows that consumer attitudes about how, or even whether, to celebrate Feb. 14 continue to evolve.
Brought to you by
De Beers Institute of Diamonds Expands to Offer Education De Beers is sharing over 130 years of experience and expertise through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds with a selection of courses.
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2023
JA Is Searching for the Next Retail ’20 Under 40’ Nominations are open now through March 24.
MajorsJan 30, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedA column detailing how independent jewelers did last year and the top watch brands of 2022 were among the most-read stories last week.
FinancialsJan 27, 2023
Tiffany & Co. Shines for LVMH in 2022Acquired in 2021, the brand’s high jewelry sales have doubled and its new “Lock” collection was an instant hit.
MajorsJan 27, 2023
Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board MemberExecutives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
CollectionsJan 27, 2023
Piece of the Week: Heavenly Vices’ Lock NecklaceThe Victorian-inspired design is a functional lock and key.
Supplier BulletinJan 26, 2023
JA New York Spring Brings the Industry TogetherFor over 100 years, JA New York has played an integral role in facilitating the evolution of our industry, while also honoring past traditions.
TrendsJan 26, 2023
At Vicenzaoro, Paola De Luca Gazes Into Jewelry’s FutureThe trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
CollectionsJan 26, 2023
NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ ClassThe Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
IndependentsJan 26, 2023
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th StoreIt will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
WatchesJan 25, 2023
These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 SaysRolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEOLuxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramJewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
CollectionsJan 25, 2023
Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO HireMorgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
Policies & IssuesJan 25, 2023
PGI’s New Portal Wants to Teach You About PlatinumThe new portal will share information on responsible platinum sourcing and how it’s used beyond jewelry.
SourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA Launches AGS Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportThe AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
MajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board MembersThe seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
EditorsJan 23, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia DemarkThe designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
