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
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
