In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
RJC Elects New Chairman, Board in Las Vegas
The Responsible Jewellery Council chose Wilfried Hoerner as chairman and re-elected Mark Jenkins of Signet Jewelers as its honorary secretary.
London--The Responsible Jewellery Council recently elected Wilfried Hoerner of Argor Heraeus SA as its new chairman of the board during its annual general meeting.
It took place June 5, coinciding with the JCK Las Vegas show and marking the first time the RJC has had its annual meeting in the U.S.
During the meeting, the RJC membership also re-appointed Mark Jenkins of Signet Jewelers Ltd. as its honorary secretary.
Members also elected to the board were: Michael Steinmetz of Leo Schachter Diamonds LLC; Ankur Goyal of MMTC-PAMP India Pvt Ltd.; Jean-Baptiste Dembreville of Baume & Mercier; Bernard Malek of Cartier SA; and Harriet Kelsall of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design Ltd.
Following the meeting, RJC hosted an open discussion moderated by Signet Jewelers that featured a selection of panelists from across the jewelry pipeline, including representatives from De Beers, Metalor, Venus Jewel, Richline, the Fair Trade Jewellery Company and the Diamond Development Initiative.
The panelists talked about the value proposition of RJC Certification and its impact on their companies’ performance against issues such as mandatory legislation, access to global markets and how businesses can prepare for the next group of discerning consumers.
The day also featured the launch of the RJC 2016 Annual Progress Report, which reflects the organization’s accomplishments in 2015 and demonstrates how it is continuing to work on membership growth, certification benchmarks, standards development and auditor engagement.
The report is available now in a hard copy from the RJC office in London. A digital copy is available on the RJC website.
The Latest

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.


The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
























