Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectPolicies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director
Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Purvi Shah is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new executive director.
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has named Purvi Shah as its new executive director.
Her appointment is effective Feb. 7, 2026.
She succeeds Melanie Grant, who stepped down earlier this year.
Purvi has more than 15 years of experience in advancing sustainability and responsible business practices in the jewelry industry.
Previously, she served as head of ethical and sustainable value chains at De Beers.
It was under her leadership that the mining company integrated sustainability into its value chain, advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and ambition in line with evolving stakeholder expectations, said RJC.
She led the evolution of the De Beers Best Practice Principles and Pipeline Integrity programs, which are dedicated to advancing ethical standards, provenance assurance, and supply chain accountability.
“I am honored to join the RJC at a pivotal moment for our industry as we work together to shape a future rooted in transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Responsible business is essential to consumer trust, commercial resilience, and long-term value creation,” said Shah.
“I look forward to working with our members, the RJC Board, stakeholders, and the RJC team to advance the RJC’s impact to deliver meaningful, lasting value across the supply chain.”
Related stories will be right here …
Her appointment is effective Feb. 7, 2026.
She succeeds Melanie Grant, who stepped down earlier this year.
Purvi has more than 15 years of experience in advancing sustainability and responsible business practices in the jewelry industry.
Previously, she served as head of ethical and sustainable value chains at De Beers.
It was under her leadership that the mining company integrated sustainability into its value chain, advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and ambition in line with evolving stakeholder expectations, said RJC.
She led the evolution of the De Beers Best Practice Principles and Pipeline Integrity programs, which are dedicated to advancing ethical standards, provenance assurance, and supply chain accountability.
“I am honored to join the RJC at a pivotal moment for our industry as we work together to shape a future rooted in transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Responsible business is essential to consumer trust, commercial resilience, and long-term value creation,” said Shah.
“I look forward to working with our members, the RJC Board, stakeholders, and the RJC team to advance the RJC’s impact to deliver meaningful, lasting value across the supply chain.”
Shah has served as an RJC board member since 2023 and as co-chair of the RJC standards committee since 2018.
She played a key role in the development and launch of the council’s three industry standards—the Code of Practices COP 2024, the Chain of Custody COC 2024, and the Laboratory-Grown Materials Standard LGMS 2025.
Shah has also collaborated with other trade organizations across the global jewelry industry to influence policy, promote collective accountability, and ensure evolving standards meet both industry needs and stakeholder expectations, according to RJC.
In addition, she leads the CIBJO nomenclature committee, where she guided the creation of globally aligned definitions for ESG and sustainability-related marketing terminology, supporting harmonized practices across the sector.
Purvi’s appointment at RJC represents both continuity and ambition, the organization said, also noting that she will lead the council, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, into its third decade.
“Purvi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in advancing ethical business practices across the jewelry and watch sector. Her ability to connect commercial realities with sustainability ambition, and to unite stakeholders behind shared goals, makes her the ideal leader to guide the RJC into its next chapter,” said Dave Meleski, RJC chairman.
To learn more about the Responsible Jewellery Council, visit its website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
