our story

We believe in responsible and sustainable business practices that prioritise people and planet

African Women

WHO WE ARE

We are the world’s leading standard-setting organisation for the jewellery and watch industry 

Founded in 2005 by 14 member organisations (ABN AMRO, BHP Billiton Diamonds, Cartier, World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), Diamond Trading Company (part of De Beers Group), Diarough, Jewelers of America, National Association of Goldsmiths (UK), Newmont Mining, Rio Tinto, Rosy Blue, Signet Group, Tiffany & Co., and Zale Corporation).

We bring together over 1900 companies of all sizes, across the global watch and jewellery supply chain, from mining to retail.

What unites us is our shared belief that responsible business, without causing harm to people or the planet, can only be achieved by working together, in partnership with others.

Global Partners & Stakeholders

WHAT WE DO

We work to ensure that responsible standards are upheld right across the global jewellery and watch supply chain

The RJC team is responsible for maintaining and managing the standards. We ensure that our approved auditors effectively assess and confirm compliance with these standards. Subsequently, we issue certifications to members once the necessary due diligence is satisfactorily completed.

We also have an important role to play as the voice for the industry on its most critical Environmental, Social and Government (ESG) issues, helping to accelerate collective progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Discover Our Standards

History

We’ve been accelerating action for over 15 years

Founded in 2005, we’ve grown to become a global non-profit working closely with every sector involved in the watch and jewellery supply chain. In 2011 we became ISEAL Code Compliant, our system is independently evaluated against ISEAL’s Codes of Good Practice––a globally-recognised framework for effective, credible sustainability systems. In 2019 we entered into a partnership with UN Global compact on the 17 SDGs, working towards having an even greater impact on the planet. 

  • Jewelry Summit in partnership with Harvard and GIA
  • JewelryArts24 Competition launch
  • Launch of the COC Update Consultation
  • Entered into a partnership with World Diamond Council and Natural Diamond Council
  • Joined the United Nations Global Compact’s SDG Ambition initiative
  • Launched the Sustainable Development Goals Task Force
  • Launch of the COP Update Consultation
  • Launch of Human Rights Due Diligence Toolkit
  • Launch of the LGM Standard Consultation
  • Launch of Gender Equality Campaign/Report
  • Signs the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Declaration on Gender Responsive Standards and Standard Development – strengthening ongoing commitment to gender equality
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mumbai Commodity Exchange
  • Launch of the Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond
  • Launch of the Generation Equality Campaign
  • Signs the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles
  • RJC’s 15th Anniversary
  • Launched the third revision of the COP standard. Scope of materials expanded to include coloured gemstones and silver. Additionally, the COP now aligns with OECD Due Diligence Guidance and the UN Guiding principles on Business and Human Rights, and includes requirements on the detection of lab-grown diamonds
  • Entered a partnership with the United Nations Global Compact on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • The Plumb Club becomes first trade association to require its members to join the RJC
  • Launched the second CoC standard, following input from150 industry and non-industry stakeholders
  • Launched the second revision of the COP with more emphasis on human rights and provenance claims
  • Launched the first voluntary Chain of Custody (CoC) standard to support claims for responsibly sourced gold and platinum group metals
  • Joined the global sustainability standards organisation ISEAL
  • Became a participant of UN Global Compact weaving its 10
    human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption principles
    into the COP
  • Launched first COP standard
  • Mining supplement under development. It was subsequently
    incorporated into the 1st COP
  • 14 founding members meet to create a standards organisation
    for the whole jewellery and watch industry. Code of Practices
    (COP) standard under development

MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Blue ring
MISSION

We strive to be the recognised standards and certification organisation for supply chain integrity and sustainability in the global jewellery and watch industry. 

African woman
VISION

Our vision is a responsible world-wide supply chain that promotes trust in the global jewellery and watch industry.

blue gems
VALUES

We are respectful and fair. We practice honesty, integrity and accountability and we engage in open collaboration.

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RJC is the global membership and standards body for responsible jewellery throughout the entire supply chain – from mine to retail. Our ‘Code of Practice’ references key development frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Principles and UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).