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
MajorsJul 26, 2024
Diamonds Direct Opens Store in AtlantaIt’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
TrendsJul 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Double Loop’ EarringsCommemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
EditorsJul 26, 2024
Out & About: A Dispatch from the Nation’s Smallest StateEditor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
Brought to you by
The End of an Era? Lab-Grown Diamonds' Journey Towards Price StabilityAs the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Supplier BulletinJul 25, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionSponsored by Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJul 25, 2024
Amazon, BBB Sue Website Allegedly Peddling Fake Reviews They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
SourcingJul 25, 2024
De Beers’ H1 Revenue Falls 21% in ‘Weak’ MarketLab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
IndependentsJul 25, 2024
Store Designer Ruth Mellergaard DiesA longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
FinancialsJul 25, 2024
Boucheron, Pomellato Post Double-Digit Growth in Q2 The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
MajorsJul 25, 2024
Shane Co. Partners With Kids In Need Foundation to Donate 7,200 BackpacksThe fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
FinancialsJul 24, 2024
LVMH’s First-Half Jewelry, Watch Sales Dip 5%Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
See Chaumet’s Paris Olympic Medals Inspired by its High JewelryThe Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Acquires Pawnbroker Insurance ProviderUnion Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Ben Bridge Announces 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship WinnerLos Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
ColumnistsJul 23, 2024
Peter Smith: The Case for Optimism in Sales In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
SourcingJul 23, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 15% in Q2The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
IndependentsJul 23, 2024
Long’s Jewelers Is Giving Away a Luxury Cape Cod VacationThe giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
CollectionsJul 23, 2024
Guzema Debuts ‘Flower Power’ CampaignThe ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
CrimeJul 22, 2024
Florida Jeweler Shot, Killed Following Argument With CustomerGhazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
SourcingJul 22, 2024
AWDC Names Karen Rentmeesters as CEORentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
Longtime D.C. Jeweler Brian Mann Dies at 70Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
The 1916 Company Opens New Tudor BoutiqueThe 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
CollectionsJul 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Messika’s ‘So Move Max’ NecklaceDance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
WatchesJul 18, 2024
TAG Heuer, Hublot Will Have New CEOs Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
MajorsJul 18, 2024
New Etsy Campaign Prioritizes Creators Amid BacklashSellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.
MajorsJul 18, 2024
Swarovski Names Ariana Grande as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe celebrity will star in Swarovski’s holiday campaign.
