Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) – When responsibility becomes part of the piece
In a time when consumers not only want to know, What they buy, but also from where As a result of its origins, the watch and jewelry industry is increasingly under pressure to demonstrate responsibility along its global supply chains. Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC) – the leading international standards organization for the jewelry and watch industry – has become one of the most influential forces in this change.
Founded in 2005, the RJC unites mining companies, manufacturers, brands, and retailers under a common goal: that jewelry and watch products are sourced, manufactured, and traded ethically. Certification is based on rigorous international best practices, a commitment underpinned by the RJC's membership in... ISEAL, The RJC's commitment to ISEAL, the global association for credible and effective sustainability systems, is further strengthened. By aligning itself with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice, the RJC ensures that its standards are not only robust, but also transparent, inclusive, and continuously evolving.
The RJC's work focuses on three key standards: the Code of Practices (COP), the Chain of Custody Standard (COC) and the Laboratory Grown Materials Standard (LGMS).
Code of Practices (COP): Basis for responsible conduct
The COP forms the foundation of the RJC. It defines the ethical, social, and environmental requirements that member companies must meet to be certified. Unlike standards that only consider individual production stages, the COP applies along the entire value chain – from mining to retail.
Key topics at the COP include:
- Human rights and working conditions: safe workplaces, fair treatment and the prohibition of child and forced labor
- Environmental responsibility: responsible handling of waste, emission reduction and minimization of ecological impacts
- Business ethics: Corruption prevention, transparency and protection of confidential information
- Due diligence in procurement: Application of internationally recognized frameworks to avoid conflict financing or human rights violations
COP certification requires independent audits and recertification every three years, making it one of the most robust governance instruments in the industry.
Chain of Custody (COC): Traceable and responsible materials
While the COP defines responsible conduct, the COC standard ensures responsible products. Developed for precious metals such as gold, platinum group metals, and increasingly for recycled materials, it creates a verified, documented chain – from the mine through refining and processing to the finished piece of jewelry.
With a COC certification, companies can:
- Track materials through every processing stage
- prove that metals come from conflict-free or recycled sources
- To offer consumers more transparency and trust
Given the growing importance of traceability, the COC standard enables brands to meet global expectations for ethical sourcing while gaining a competitive advantage.
Laboratory-Grown Materials Standard (LGMS): Clarity for laboratory-grown materials
One of the most significant developments of recent years is the rise of lab-grown diamonds and gemstones. With increasing demand comes a growing need for transparency and responsible practices in this dynamic sector.
The LGMS addressed to:
- the transparent disclosure of laboratory-grown stones
- responsible manufacturing practices with minimized environmental impact
- Precise marketing so that consumers know exactly what they are buying.
By standardizing manufacturing, labeling and trade, the LGMS helps to avoid market confusion and promote responsible innovation.
Why the RJC is more important today than ever
The RJC standards are far more than regulatory checklists – they represent a cultural shift within the jewelry and watch industry. Consumers today expect demonstrable responsibility, and retailers are increasingly integrating sustainability and ethics into their business models. Certification offers an independently verified signal of trust – for companies as well as their customers.
As the industry evolves between technological innovation and changing consumer expectations, the RJC provides a framework that grounds progress in responsibility. Its standards, strengthened by alignment with ISEAL, help shape a future where the beauty of jewelry and watches is reflected not only in craftsmanship but also in the integrity of its journey.
