MajorsJul 02, 2024
Richemont Names New CEOs for Cartier, Van Cleef & ArpelsPolicies & IssuesJul 22, 2024
JVC’s Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez Joins RJC
The organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (left) is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new head of North American development, and Effie Marinos is its new specialist advisor for technical standards.
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council has named Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez as its new head of North American development.
She was previously the director of membership and marketing at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a role she held for more than 6 years.
“Taking on the role of head of North American development at the Responsible Jewellery Council is an exciting opportunity to make an impact. I am ready to build on my past experiences and, together with the RJC team, support meaningful change, leading our industry towards a more responsible and innovative future," said Jenkins-Pérez.
Alongside her new position with RJC, Jenkins-Pérez will continue as vice president and co-founder of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, as well as president of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) NY Metro chapter.
The RJC also announced that Effie Marinos has joined the organization as specialist advisor for technical standards.
Marinos brings more than 25 years of experience in social accountability and work in the sustainability field.
She has worked to improve audit quality, promote data sharing, and help improve supplier performance.
Related stories will be right here …
She was previously the director of membership and marketing at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a role she held for more than 6 years.
“Taking on the role of head of North American development at the Responsible Jewellery Council is an exciting opportunity to make an impact. I am ready to build on my past experiences and, together with the RJC team, support meaningful change, leading our industry towards a more responsible and innovative future," said Jenkins-Pérez.
Alongside her new position with RJC, Jenkins-Pérez will continue as vice president and co-founder of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, as well as president of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) NY Metro chapter.
The RJC also announced that Effie Marinos has joined the organization as specialist advisor for technical standards.
Marinos brings more than 25 years of experience in social accountability and work in the sustainability field.
She has worked to improve audit quality, promote data sharing, and help improve supplier performance.
Marinos was a founding member of the SEDEX Associate Auditor Group (AAG), now known as the SEDEX Stakeholder Forum, where she was involved in developing the SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) protocol as well as the associated Service Provider Supplement covering labor providers and other offsite working practices.
She also worked with the U.K.’s non-departmental public body dedicated to protecting vulnerable and exploited workers—the Gangmaster Licensing Authority, now called Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
Marinos was involved in the development of GLAA’s approach to certifying labor providers under U.K. legislation.
She has also worked for SGS Group, where she spent more than 30 years, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Most recently, she was SGS’s global technical governance manager for responsible business services, where she headed the company’s global activities in relation to RJC certification services.
Marinos also worked on several chain of custody programs.
From 2015 to 2020, she chaired the Independent Governance Committee for Responsible Sourcing, a group established in January 2015 to provide oversight for the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Authority Rules for Risk Based Due Diligence in the Gold and Precious Metals Supply Chain.
“I am really excited to be working with RJC at this exciting time. We have a great opportunity to continue the drive for best sustainability practices in the jewelry industry and support our members to strengthen their processes to meet customer expectations,” said Marinos.
Marinos’ appointment comes as RJC is reviewing its existing standards and planning to add new standards on lab-grown material.
Additionally, RJC has promoted Yagmur Masmas from senior certification manager to general manager of membership and Samanphy Li from assistant certification manager to manager of certification.
As for new members, Clement Eleseshie Nyadroh will join the council as senior assurance coordinator, and Ruksar Mazar as membership application administrator.
“These are exciting times at the RJC as our members continue to grow and the team steps up in tandem. I’m so proud of the existing staff members who have worked hard and been promoted,” said RJC Executive Director Melanie Grant.
“I also look forward to working with our new experts Effie and Elyssa who bring a wealth of industry experience and talent.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
