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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.
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