London’s Responsible Jewellery Council: Shaping Ethical Standards for Global Investments

In an era where consumers and investors alike are increasingly conscious of the ethical implications of their choices, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) stands as a pivotal organization. London-based, the RJC is at the forefront of shaping ethical standards within the global jewellery industry, influencing how precious metals and gemstones are sourced, processed, and traded. As the demand for transparency and accountability grows, understanding the RJC’s role becomes crucial for anyone involved in or investing in this sector. The global jewelry market has been growing at a steady rate, and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases.

What is the Responsible Jewellery Council?

Founded in 2005 by 14 organizations, including industry giants like De Beers, Tiffany & Co., and Cartier, the RJC is a not-for-profit, standards-setting organization for the jewellery and watch industry. Today, it unites over 2,000 companies across the entire global supply chain. Its mission is to advance responsible ethical, social, and environmental practices, with respect for human rights, throughout the diamond, gold, silver and platinum metals jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail. The RJC achieves this through the development and implementation of standards and certification systems.

The RJC’s Core Principles and Code of Practices

At the heart of the RJC’s work lies its Code of Practices (COP). This landmark standard defines responsible ethical, human rights, social, and environmental practices applicable to all RJC members throughout the jewellery supply chain. Certification against the COP is mandatory for all commercial RJC members within two years of joining. The COP addresses a wide range of issues, including:

Business ethics: Ensuring integrity, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws.
Human rights: Protecting the rights and dignity of workers and communities affected by the jewellery industry.
Social performance: Promoting responsible community engagement and development.
Environmental performance: Minimizing the environmental impact of jewellery production, from mining to manufacturing.
Product disclosure: Fully and accurately disclosing the material characteristics of products.
Responsible mining: Promoting responsible practices in the extraction of precious metals and gemstones.

RJC Certification: A Mark of Ethical Excellence

RJC certification provides assurance to stakeholders, shareholders, customers, and business partners that a company conducts its business responsibly. The certification process involves a rigorous assessment by accredited, third-party auditors to verify conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices. Certified members are issued a unique RJC Certification number, which is made publicly available on the RJC website.

Benefits of RJC Certification:

Enhanced trust and brand reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Access to new markets and business opportunities: Many retailers and consumers prioritize ethical sourcing.
Improved risk management: Proactively addresses ethical and environmental issues.
Strengthened internal management systems: Promotes continuous improvement in responsible business practices.
Positive impact on the jewellery industry: Drives industry-wide standards and best practices.

Addressing the Challenges: Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its significant contributions, the RJC has faced criticisms and controversies over the years. One recurring concern is the potential conflict of interest arising from its dual role as a trade association and a certifying body. Critics argue that the RJC’s financial dependence on membership fees may influence its ability to rigorously enforce standards with impartiality.

Another point of contention has been the RJC’s handling of members involved in controversial activities. The RJC’s inability to immediately remove Russian diamond miner Alrosa following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the departure of several prominent members.

Some organizations, like Earthworks, have criticized the RJC’s certification system for being too lenient and lacking transparency. They argue that the RJC’s standards are often weaker compared to internationally accepted guidelines and that the organization fails to require and verify that companies engage with impacted communities throughout the mineral development process.

The RJC’s Response and Ongoing Efforts

The RJC has actively responded to these criticisms and is continuously working to improve its standards and processes. In recent years, the organization has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen its credibility and effectiveness, including:

Revising its Code of Practices: The RJC regularly updates its COP to reflect evolving best practices and address emerging challenges.
Enhancing transparency: The RJC is working to increase transparency in its certification process and provide more information to stakeholders.
Strengthening its governance: The RJC is exploring ways to enhance its governance structure to ensure greater independence and impartiality.
Collaboration with other organizations: The RJC collaborates with other industry initiatives and organizations to promote responsible sourcing and sustainability.

In February 2025, the RJC introduced a new Laboratory Grown Materials Standard (LGMS) 2025, outlining 28 key provisions to ensure responsible practices across the jewellery and watch industries concerning lab-grown diamonds. This standard reflects the growing importance of transparency and ethical sourcing in the evolving diamond market.

In November 2025, the RJC appointed Purvi Shah as its new Executive Director. Shah’s extensive experience in ethics and sustainability within the jewellery industry is expected to further strengthen the RJC’s commitment to responsible business practices.

Investing in Ethical Jewellery: A Growing Trend

As awareness of ethical and environmental issues grows, investors are increasingly considering these factors when making investment decisions. Investing in companies that prioritize responsible sourcing and sustainability can not only generate financial returns but also contribute to positive social and environmental impact.

The RJC plays a crucial role in facilitating responsible investment in the jewellery industry by providing a framework for companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices. By choosing to invest in RJC-certified companies, investors can support a more sustainable and responsible jewellery supply chain.

The Future of Ethical Standards in the Jewellery Industry

The Responsible Jewellery Council’s work is far from over. As the jewellery industry continues to evolve, new challenges and opportunities will emerge. The RJC must remain vigilant in adapting its standards and processes to address these challenges and ensure that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of the industry.

Open Questions for the Future:

How can the RJC further enhance transparency and accountability in its certification process?
What role can technology play in improving traceability and transparency in the jewellery supply chain?
How can the RJC effectively engage with and empower communities affected by jewellery production?
How can the RJC promote greater collaboration and harmonization of standards across the industry?

By addressing these questions and continuing to innovate, the Responsible Jewellery Council can solidify its position as a leader in shaping ethical standards for global investments in the jewellery industry.

Considering investing in precious metals or gemstones? Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about responsible sourcing and ethical investment opportunities.