IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
Policies & IssuesApr 07, 2015
RJC CEO Deo out as organization restructures
The Responsible Jewellery Council has terminated the contract of CEO Ashish Deo, who has been with the organization for only eight months, and is transitioning to an executive director-led model.
London--The Responsible Jewellery Council has terminated the contract of CEO Ashish Deo, who has been with the organization for only eight months, and is transitioning to an executive director-led model.
The executive director will work alongside long-serving Chief Operating Officer Catherine Sproule to provide continuity.
Deo’s departure comes amid a time of turmoil and change for the not-for-profit organization, which is scheduled to have its annual general meeting a week from now in Mumbai.
The RJC said Tuesday that its new management structure will include a standards director, as it attempts to rebuild that department following recent turnover, including the resignation of long-serving Director of Standards Development Fiona Solomon, who was based in Melbourne, Australia.
The RJC also lost Marieke Van Der Mijn, its certification and impacts manager, in recent months.
New to the organization is Kinjal Shah, the RJC’s head of India who will be based in Surat and responsible for establishing the organization in the Indian market, a focus for the RJC.
In addition, the organization recently implemented a revised Code of Practices, the standards for responsible business practices in diamonds, gold and platinum group metals against which RJC members are independently audited. The code addresses human rights, labor rights, environmental impact, mining practices and product disclosure, among other things.
The revisions, the RJC said, allow it to focus on increasing its membership both through the supply chain and by geography.
Deo started with the RJC in September, coming to the jewelry industry from the Fairtrade Foundation, where he served as the commercial director. He replaced Michael Rae, who left the London-based organization at the end of 2013 to pursue opportunities closer to his home in Melbourne. Sproule had been acting as temporary CEO in the interim.
In a release announcing Deo’s departure, the RJC pointed out that many other non-profit organizations are run by executive directors.
And, it is not the first jewelry industry organization to transition to this model. Just last year, the World Diamond Council, which had been headed by President Eli Izhakoff for more than a decade, announced it was hiring an executive director for the first time, and named Pat Syvrud to the post.
The RJC is a not-for-profit standards and certification organization. Jewelry companies along all points in the supply chain have joined the organization since its founding in 2005 as the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices, later simplified to RJC.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
It currently has 611 members, 416 of which are certified, meaning they’ve undergone a third-party audit confirming that their business practices conform to the RJC’s Code of Practices for business ethics, human rights and social and environmental performance.
A total of 26 RJC members are COC (chain of custody) certified, which applies only to those that deal in precious metals and addresses a whole range of jewelry supply chain issues and risks beyond those addressed in the Code of Practices.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
