Responsible Jewellery Council launches certification scheme

by eyetee | December 21, 2009 12:00 am

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After three years of discussion and development, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is releasing its plan to certify members for ethical, social, and environmental practices.

The RJC says the next task is to tackle the issue of traceability. Part of that involves researching tracking systems used in other industries, such as clothing, timber, pharmaceuticals, and food.

“It is not the intention of the RJC to develop its own system of product tracking, but to investigate the possibility of certifying the effectiveness, validity, and claims made by proprietary tracking systems. We look forward to working with stakeholders on this important initiative,” said RJC chief executive officer Michael Rae.

Certification is open to all levels of the gold and diamond supply chain, from mine to retail, as well as related trade organizations. Currently, there are more than 140 members. The RJC system uses third-party auditors to verify members’ conformance to its Code of Practices.

Current RJC members as of Dec. 31, 2009 must undergo an audit by December 2011, or December 2012 if they have mining facilities. For those joining the council from 2010 onward, an audit must be completed within two years of becoming members.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/responsible-jewellery-council-launches-certification-scheme/

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