Our Story

Our Story

We believe in responsible and sustainable business practices

WHAT WE DO

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

The RJC team oversees the development, maintenance, and implementation of our three industry standards. We work closely with approved auditors to ensure they consistently assess compliance with rigour and integrity. Once members complete the required due diligence, we issue certifications that affirm their commitment to responsible business practices.


Beyond certification, we serve as a leading voice for the watch and jewellery industry on key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. We champion collaboration and innovation to help drive meaningful progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Explore the key milestones that have shaped our path towards responsibility and excellence.

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  • Launch of the new LGMS standard
  • RJC 20th anniversary
  • Hit 2000 members
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  • Launch of the new COP standard
  • Launch of the new COC standard 
  • JewelryArts24 competition
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  • State of the Art Jewelry Summit in partnership with Harvard and GIA
  • JewelryArts24 Competition launch
  • Launch of the COC Update Consultation
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Launched the second COC standard, following input from150 industry and non-industry stakeholders
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  • Launched the second revision of the COP with more emphasis on human rights and provenance claims
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  • Launched the first voluntary Chain of Custody (COC) standard to support claims for responsibly sourced gold and platinum group metals
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  • Joined the global sustainability standards organisation ISEAL
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  • 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
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  • Mining supplement under development. It was subsequently
    incorporated into the 1st COP
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  • 14 founding members meet to create a standards organisation
    for the whole jewellery and watch industry. Code of Practices
    (COP) standard under development
BECOME A MEMBER

Membership is your pathway to sustainable growth​

Becoming a member gives companies across the watch and jewellery industry a clear framework to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business. Members gain access to expert guidance, practical tools, and a global network, helping them strengthen trust, meet rising stakeholder expectations, and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace.

  • SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP
  • GLOBAL RECOGNITION
  • SUPPORT FOR ETHICAL PRACTICES
  • INDUSTRY RESOURCES

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