Policies & IssuesJan 25, 2023
PGI’s New Portal Wants to Teach You About PlatinumPolicies & IssuesFeb 16, 2023
JVC Really Wants Your Input on the FTC’s ‘Green Guides’
The guides, which monitor B2B and B2C environmental marketing claims, are up for revision for the first time in more than a decade.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has created a form for members of the watch and jewelry industries to comment on the Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides.” It is accepting comments through March 10.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee is encouraging members of the trade to weigh in on the Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides,” which are up for revision for the first time since 2012.
The guides govern environmental marketing claims, both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer.
They consider regulatory compliance: how companies demonstrate the principles behind claims, how claims about products, services or manufacturing processes may be interpreted, and how jewelry marketers and companies qualify claims to avoid deception.
Because the FTC is reviewing the guides for first time in more than a decade, JVC CEO and General Counsel Tiffany Stevens said it is “absolutely essential” every sector of the watch and jewelry industries share their input on the terminology up for review.
This includes how terms like “recycled,” “sustainable,” and “eco-friendly” are used in marketing products, packaging, services, and manufacturing processes.
For businesses and manufacturing facilities promoting carbon offsets to the public, terms such as “carbon-neutral,” “carbon-negative,” and “net zero” are on the table for review.
JVC also wants members of the jewelry industry to weigh in on the word “organic,” which often is used to describe gemstones such as pearl, coral, jet, amber, and ammolite.
“Jewelry and watches are just one industry that will be commenting, as these definitions apply broadly across industries, and our responses must be strong and unified to both get the attention of the FTC and set the tone of the revision process at this essential beginning stage,” Stevens said.
“That will ensure the greatest chance to succeed at the ultimate goal, informing and protecting the U.S. consumer.”
Related stories will be right here …
The guides govern environmental marketing claims, both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer.
They consider regulatory compliance: how companies demonstrate the principles behind claims, how claims about products, services or manufacturing processes may be interpreted, and how jewelry marketers and companies qualify claims to avoid deception.
Because the FTC is reviewing the guides for first time in more than a decade, JVC CEO and General Counsel Tiffany Stevens said it is “absolutely essential” every sector of the watch and jewelry industries share their input on the terminology up for review.
This includes how terms like “recycled,” “sustainable,” and “eco-friendly” are used in marketing products, packaging, services, and manufacturing processes.
For businesses and manufacturing facilities promoting carbon offsets to the public, terms such as “carbon-neutral,” “carbon-negative,” and “net zero” are on the table for review.
JVC also wants members of the jewelry industry to weigh in on the word “organic,” which often is used to describe gemstones such as pearl, coral, jet, amber, and ammolite.
“Jewelry and watches are just one industry that will be commenting, as these definitions apply broadly across industries, and our responses must be strong and unified to both get the attention of the FTC and set the tone of the revision process at this essential beginning stage,” Stevens said.
“That will ensure the greatest chance to succeed at the ultimate goal, informing and protecting the U.S. consumer.”
The FTC announced last December it would be reviewing its Green Guides, initially setting a deadline of Feb. 21 for public comment. It since has extended the deadline by 60 days, to April 24.
JVC created a public comment form specifically for members of the watch and jewelry industries to weigh in on the guides.
It is available on the JVC website.
The organization is accepting rolling comments on its form through March 10.
“Having completed previous FTC guide reviews, JVC’s expertise in bringing industry knowledge to the table is essential for the Green Guides revision process,” JVC Deputy General Counsel Sara Yood said.
“JVC’s legal compliance experts will shepherd the jewelry and watch industries through the revision process, both by gathering feedback from the industry and drafting comments based on the FTC’s requests.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
