In an era when consumers want to know not only what they’re buying but where it came from, the watch and jewellery industry has been under increasing pressure to demonstrate responsibility across its global supply chain. The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) the leading international standards organisation for the watch and jewellery sector has emerged as one of the most influential forces driving this shift.
THE CODE OF PRACTICES (COP):
SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
The COP is the RJC’s cornerstone. It outlines the ethical, social, and environmental requirements that member companies must meet to obtain certification. Unlike standards focused on a single stage of production, the COP applies across the entire value chain, from mining operations to retail storefronts.
Key areas covered include:
■ Human rights and labour conditions: Ensuring safe workplaces, fair treatment, and the prohibition of child and forced labour.
■ Environmental stewardship: Managing waste responsibly, reducing emissions, and minimising ecological impact.
■ Business ethics: Preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and protecting confidential information.
■ Due diligence in sourcing: Using internationally recognised frameworks to avoid contributing to conflict or human-rights abuses.
COP certification requires independent auditing and re-certification every three years, making it one of the most robust governance tools in the industry.
THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY (COC): ENSURING
TRACEABLE AND RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
If the COC sets the rules for responsible behaviour, the COC Standard ensures responsible products. Designed for precious metals, including gold, platinum-group metals, and increasingly recycled materials, the COC Standard creates a verified, documented chain from mine to refinery to manufacturer and finally into
finished jewellery.
With COC certification, companies can:
■ Track materials through every stage of processing
■ Demonstrate that metals come from conflict-free or recycled sources
■ Offer consumers greater transparency and confidence in what they purchase
As traceability becomes more essential, the COC Standard allows
brands to align with global expectations for ethical sourcing while
providing a competitive advantage.
THE LMGS STANDARD: BRINGING CLARITY
TO LABORATORY-GROWN MATERIALS
One of the most significant recent developments in the jewellery world is the rise of laboratory-grown diamonds and gemstones. As consumer demand increases, so does the need for clarity and responsible practices in this rapidly evolving segment.
The Laboratory-Grown Materials Standard (LMGS) addresses:
■ Transparent disclosure of laboratory-grown stones
■ Responsible manufacturing practices that minimise environmental impacts
■ Accurate marketing so consumers understand exactly what they are buying
By standardising how these materials are produced, identified, and
traded, the LMGS helps prevent market confusion and supports
responsible innovation.
Today’s consumers expect brands to demonstrate accountability, and retailers are responding by embedding sustainability and ethics into their core business models.
WHY THE RJC MATTERS
NOW MORE THAN EVER
A media partnership with
Jewellers’ Network would significantly
enhance industry awareness of
responsible practices and support
shared goals around ethical and
sustainable growth.
RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL AND
JEWELLERS’ NETWORK MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
Jewellers’ Network is partnering with the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) as a Media Partner. The RJC is exploring a collaboration with Jewellers’ Network to amplify responsible business practices across the global jewellery and watch industry. The RJC is the world’s leading standards and certification organisation for responsible jewellery supply chains. Our Code of Practices (COP) – independently audited by third parties helps companies of every size meet growing expectations around ethics, sustainability and transparency. The COP aligns with international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Principles, the UN Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a Media Partner of the RJC, Jewellers’ Network would join other influential industry voices – including The European Federation of Jewellery, The Plumb Club, Baselworld, Jewellery Arabia, IDEX Online SA, Collection Pan-Arab Luxury Magazine and Professional Jeweller Magazine who are helping promote responsible business leadership globally. Role of an RJC Media Supporter Media Supporters are not required to undergo certification as they do not participate directly in the supply chain. Instead, they play a vital role in expanding industry awareness of responsible sourcing and sustainability by sharing RJC news, insights and educational resources with their audiences.