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
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
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.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
