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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
