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
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
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.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
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.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
