Chain of Custody

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) was established understanding that consumer confidence in jewellery depends on responsible business practices being applied throughout the jewellery supply chain. Therefore, the initial work of the RJC focused on the development of its Code of Practices, which set robust and auditable standards of ethical, social and environmental practices applicable to member companies throughout the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail.

All Commercial Members of the RJC are required to be audited by accredited, third-party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices, and become certified under the RJC System.

Having established the Code of Practices, the RJC is now turning its attention to issues surrounding the chain-of-custody of product. We believe that chain-of-custody can strengthen the integrity of the jewellery supply chain and some RJC members have already implemented product tracking systems.

Chain-of-custody Discussion Paper 1 – April 2010

In 2010, the RJC is investigating how it can assist its members seeking to utilise chain-of-custody as a voluntary, complementary element to the RJC certification process. An initial discussion paper was published on April 19, 2010 to initiate dialogue on key issues and options:

• Chain-of-custody in the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain – issues and options, RJC Discussion Paper – 19 April 2010.

RJC members and stakeholders were invited to review this paper and provide feedback. The formal comment period closed on July 12, 2010. A report on the input received, and links to two submissions, are available below.

• RJC report on stakeholder consultation for Discussion Paper 1

• Submission from CAFOD

• Submission from Fair Jewellery Action

The above input is being taken into account in considering the activities and potential timelines of the next stage of investigations.

We look forward to continuing engagement with stakeholders on this important initiative.

Please contact: consultation@responsiblejewellery.com

Chain-of-custody workshop – 18 May, 2010 – London

RJC Members and a number of invited stakeholders participated in a workshop in London on chain-of-custody certification in the jewellery supply chain. The workshop was convened following the RJC’s Annual General Meeting. The purpose of the workshop was to initiate a discussion about the issues and options relating to chain-of-custody and the feasibility of a voluntary chain-of-custody certification model. The RJC thanks speakers and participants for their contributions to an informative session, and looks forward to an ongoing dialogue on these issues.

The workshop program and presentations can be downloaded below.