The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the global standards-setting and certification organisation for the jewellery supply chain, has expanded its material scope to include coloured gemstones. RJC’s certification scope currently includes diamonds, gold and platinum group metals. RJC made the decision after the launch of a major study, and discussions with RJC’s current members, external stakeholders and the coloured gemstone sector over the past five years. “We’ve had an enthusiastic response from our valued membership, and industry and external parties about going ahead with this initiative,” said Charles Chaussepied, chairman of the board of directors of the RJC. The next revision to the code of practices will take place through the 2017 research and development phase, making the scope expansion timely. The standards work stream under the management of Anne-Marie Fleury, standards and impacts director, created a stakeholder task force to undertake the work. This task force will regularly report to the standards committee. “It made perfect sense to announce this key initiative at the Baselworld Fair,” added 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.” |  Coloured gemstones |
[Source:- JNA]