MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationPolicies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards Committee
Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood (right) and Eduard Stefanescu, sustainability manager for C.Hafner, will co-chair the RJC’s Standards Committee starting Jan. 1.
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council has appointed two new co-chairs to its Standards Committee.
They are Sara Yood, president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Eduard Stefanescu, sustainability manager of C.Hafner GmbH + Co. KG, a precious metals refiner based in Germany.
Their appointments are effective Jan. 1.
Their combined leadership brings deep regulatory, technical, supply chain, and governance expertise to the committee, RJC said.
The organization said the Standards Committee plays a central role in ensuring its Codes of Practice, Chain of Custody, and Laboratory-Grown Materials standards remain “robust, credible, and aligned with evolving global expectations on responsible business conduct.”
“With expanding membership and increasing regulatory complexity, the committee’s work is more critical than ever,” RJC said.
Yood took over at JVC in 2024 and leads the group’s work on legal guidance, compliance, and integrity in the U.S. jewelry market.
She previously served on the Standards Committee as a non-industry member.
RJC said her expertise strengthens its commitment to alignment with international laws, due diligence frameworks, and high ethical standards.
Yood said she is looking forward to co-chairing the committee.
“Not everyone would be excited to review and revise such a dense text, but I find the process invigorating,” she said.
“We know that the nuance of the text is vitally important to the businesses that rely on it, but many may not fully grasp just how many hands it passes through before approval. Serving as one of those layers is a challenging yet gratifying exercise.”
Stefanescu, a geoscientist by profession, oversees international operations in refining, recycling, and supply chain integrity at C.Hafner.
He is also chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and chair of the German Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Working Committee.
He previously served on the Standards Committee as a “guest,” a representative who joins in their individual capacity and areas of expertise.
His technical and sustainability expertise supports the Standards Committee’s mission to advance responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and transparency, RJC said.
“Little did I know that joining the Standards Committee as a guest would lead to becoming co-chair. The experience exceeded my expectations in terms of mutual respect and teamwork among diverse stakeholders from different sectors, collaborating to shape standards that drive progress across the industry,” Stefanescu said.
He continued, “My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, transparency, and responsible supply chains while encouraging collaboration and constructive dialogue across the industry.”
Related stories will be right here …
They are Sara Yood, president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Eduard Stefanescu, sustainability manager of C.Hafner GmbH + Co. KG, a precious metals refiner based in Germany.
Their appointments are effective Jan. 1.
Their combined leadership brings deep regulatory, technical, supply chain, and governance expertise to the committee, RJC said.
The organization said the Standards Committee plays a central role in ensuring its Codes of Practice, Chain of Custody, and Laboratory-Grown Materials standards remain “robust, credible, and aligned with evolving global expectations on responsible business conduct.”
“With expanding membership and increasing regulatory complexity, the committee’s work is more critical than ever,” RJC said.
Yood took over at JVC in 2024 and leads the group’s work on legal guidance, compliance, and integrity in the U.S. jewelry market.
She previously served on the Standards Committee as a non-industry member.
RJC said her expertise strengthens its commitment to alignment with international laws, due diligence frameworks, and high ethical standards.
Yood said she is looking forward to co-chairing the committee.
“Not everyone would be excited to review and revise such a dense text, but I find the process invigorating,” she said.
“We know that the nuance of the text is vitally important to the businesses that rely on it, but many may not fully grasp just how many hands it passes through before approval. Serving as one of those layers is a challenging yet gratifying exercise.”
Stefanescu, a geoscientist by profession, oversees international operations in refining, recycling, and supply chain integrity at C.Hafner.
He is also chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and chair of the German Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Working Committee.
He previously served on the Standards Committee as a “guest,” a representative who joins in their individual capacity and areas of expertise.
His technical and sustainability expertise supports the Standards Committee’s mission to advance responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and transparency, RJC said.
“Little did I know that joining the Standards Committee as a guest would lead to becoming co-chair. The experience exceeded my expectations in terms of mutual respect and teamwork among diverse stakeholders from different sectors, collaborating to shape standards that drive progress across the industry,” Stefanescu said.
He continued, “My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, transparency, and responsible supply chains while encouraging collaboration and constructive dialogue across the industry.”
RJC also announced new industry and non-industry Standards Committee members.
New industry representatives are:
Ben Ronca of Leach Garner;
Donald Bray of Fura Gems;
Melanie Mater of De Beers Group;
Valerie Michel of Rosy Blue;
Wafa Jaffery of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre;
Alethea Inns of Gemological Science International; and
Raluca Angel of Natural Diamond Council.
New non-industry members are Antonino Serra Cambaceres (consumer representative); Chris Vandome (senior research fellow at Chatham House); and Abbi Buxton (human rights, gender, inequality representation).
New guests of the committee members are Laure Williams of Richemont; Francesco Giunta of Heraeus; and Kesah Trowell of Watches of Switzerland.
“Their combined experience strengthens the committee’s multi-stakeholder approach and reflects the breadth of expertise needed to shape globally credible standards,” the organization said of the new members.
The Standards Committee will meet in London from Dec. 16-18.
RJC also extended thanks to the committee’s outgoing members, noting that their contributions have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s standards and the integrity of the sector.
The outgoing members are:
Former Co-Chair Purvi Shah of De Beers Group, who will step into her new role as RJC executive director in February;
Robin Kolvenbach of Argor-Heraeus SA;
Didier Backaert of Bonas & Co.;
Ilan Keplan of International Diamond Manufacturers Association;
Trisevgeni Stavropoulos of Antwerp World Diamond Centre;
Joelle Ponnelle of Richemont; and
Tehmasp Printer of International Gemological Institute, India Pvt. Ltd.
The outgoing non-industry members are former committee Co-Chair Ainsley Butler of Building Markets; Jennifer Hillard of Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct/Consumer Interest Alliance Inc.; and Salah Husseini of BSR.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
