Policies & IssuesMay 26, 2022
Barbara Wheat Named Executive Director of Ethical Metalsmiths Policies & IssuesJun 06, 2022
RJC Elects New Member Forum Representatives
The elections took place at the organization’s recent annual general meeting.
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council recently held elections for its member forum representatives, selecting five new directors and re-electing one.
Each director will represent his respective sector of the jewelry and watch supply chain.
The appointments are as follows:
— Raj Kumar Jain from Gemstones Corporation, representing the Diamonds and Gemstones Traders, Cutters and Polishers forum;
— Ankur Goyal from MMTC-PAMP, representing the Precious Metals traders, refiners and hedgers forum;
— Arien Gessner from Richline Group and Roger Forman from the Marathon Company, representing the Jewellery Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler forum;
— Pravin Pattni from Minar Jewellers, representing the Jewellery Retailer forum;
— Rajesh Neelakanta from BVC Logistics, representing the Service Industries forum (Neelakanta was re-elected); and
— Edward Asscher from the World Diamond Council, representing the Trade Association forum.
Related stories will be right here …
Each director will represent his respective sector of the jewelry and watch supply chain.
The appointments are as follows:
— Raj Kumar Jain from Gemstones Corporation, representing the Diamonds and Gemstones Traders, Cutters and Polishers forum;
— Ankur Goyal from MMTC-PAMP, representing the Precious Metals traders, refiners and hedgers forum;
— Arien Gessner from Richline Group and Roger Forman from the Marathon Company, representing the Jewellery Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler forum;
— Pravin Pattni from Minar Jewellers, representing the Jewellery Retailer forum;
— Rajesh Neelakanta from BVC Logistics, representing the Service Industries forum (Neelakanta was re-elected); and
— Edward Asscher from the World Diamond Council, representing the Trade Association forum.
While it elected new board members at its annual meeting, RJC remains without a permanent executive director following the exit of Iris Van der Veken in late March.
She resigned over the organization’s failure to take a strong stance regarding Russian diamonds and to suspend Alrosa’s membership in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A number of major players left the group as well, including Pandora, Richemont, Kering and Watches of Switzerland, though RJC confirmed that all the Richemont and Kering brands—a grouping that includes names like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron—have returned.
John Hall, a former Rio Tinto executive and founding board member of RJC, stepped in as interim executive director in early April while Signet Jewelers Vice President of Corporate Affairs David Bouffard is serving his second term as RJC board chair.
An RJC spokesperson said the search for a permanent executive director is ongoing and noted there are some additional board vacancies the organization will be looking to fill “in due course.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North AmericaThe industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ RingSlither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
SourcingOct 03, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery ChargeLadell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board DirectorThe trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This FallDon't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 YearsNew Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s ArrivalTransition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.
AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their EncoreSotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall CollectionThe collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.
AuctionsOct 02, 2024
The GOAT’s Stash: Watches Owned by Tom Brady Going Up for Auction The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting EntriesThe Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to RetireThe jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp BrandThe Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New CollectionCreative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement AwardThe recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving EmployeesThe manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty DelightsWhile statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday SeasonThree members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological RevivalThe necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on AmazonRocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.
EditorsSep 26, 2024
This New Bulova Documentary Is Perfect for History Buffs Like Me “America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.
CollectionsSep 26, 2024
Marco Bicego Adds Stackable Designs to Masai CollectionThe new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.
