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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
