The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) announced a review of its scope to include coloured gemstones. Expanding its current material scope of diamonds, gold and platinum group metals is the focus of a major study launched later this month. It culminated after discussions and collaboration with RJC’s current membership, external stakeholders and the coloured gemstone sector over the past 5 years.

“We've had an enthusiastic response from our valued membership, industry and external parties about going ahead with this initiative,” says Charles Chaussepied, Chairman of the Board of directors of the RJC. RJC will undertake this at a key time in its standards development.

The next revision to the code of practices will take place through the 2017 R&D phase, so adding the scope expansion will be timely. The Standards work stream under the management of Anne-Marie Fleury, Standards and Impacts Director, has struck a multi stakeholder task force to undertake this work, effective immediately. This task force will provide regular reporting to the Standards Committee.

“It made perfect sense to announce this key initiative at the Baselworld Fair,” says Andrew Bone, RJC Executive Director. “RJC enjoys a strong Supporter status with the Fair and to have the opportunity to present this announcement in the foremost transparent and ethical trading environment is important to RJC.”