Responsible Jewellery Council strengthens its Standards Committee

Responsible Jewellery Council strengthens its standards leadership – a decisive moment for transparency and trust in the luxury segment

Responsibility and transparent supply chains have long been key criteria for manufacturers, buyers, and consumers. That is why the RJC’s decisions are also significant in the context of INHORGENTA. Not least because some of the exhibiting brands and manufacturers already work according to the standards of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) – an indication that ethical sourcing is already part of brand identity today.

This makes the current restructuring of the RJC Standards Committee all the more important. Buyers and consumers want to know where materials come from and under what conditions they were sourced. The RJC is one of the few organizations that provides clear, internationally recognized answers to these questions.

Boosting consumer confidence – the new definition of luxury

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standards organization for the jewelry and watch industry, has reorganized the leadership of its Standards Committee—the body that plays a key role in determining how responsible sourcing, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices will be defined in the future.

With the appointment of Sara Yood, President & CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (USA), and Eduard Stefanescu, Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER (Germany), the RJC gains two proven experts in compliance, ESG, and supply chain governance. Their expertise perfectly reflects what industry and consumers expect from luxury today: greater transparency, clearer rules, and credible accountability.

Why this is important for brands, retailers, and increasingly also for consumers

The jewelry and watch industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Regulatory requirements are increasing, supply chains are being reevaluated, and consumers are increasingly making value-based purchasing decisions. Against this backdrop, the RJC Standards Committee is much more than an administrative body—it provides the framework for building trust in the luxury market.

For brands, the strengthened structure means clearer international requirements, precise guidelines on due diligence, material traceability, and responsible sourcing. These standards help companies navigate an increasingly regulated environment and position themselves credibly in a market where transparency has long been part of the luxury promise.

The impact on consumers is just as significant: deeper insights into the origin of materials, greater certainty regarding environmental and social standards, and a better understanding of the entire supply chain. Today, trust is no longer built solely on design and craftsmanship, but also on values and verifiable origins.

The Standards Committee now represents the entire value chain.

To strengthen its multi-stakeholder approach, the RJC has appointed a broad-based group of new members, including leading figures from mining, refining, manufacturing, gemology, sustainability, politics, trade, and consumer protection.

New industry representatives

• Ben Ronca (Leach Garner) – Specializes in metal sourcing, financial control, and responsible supply chains.
• Donald Bray (Fura Gems) – Chief Sustainability Officer with a focus on biodiversity, CO₂ reduction, and ESG in high-risk regions.
• Melanie Mater (De Beers) – Responsible for human rights due diligence, anti-money laundering, and ESG programs.
• Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue) – Driving force for ethical sourcing, transparency, and the advancement of women in the industry.
• Wafa Jaffery (DMCC / Dubai Diamond Exchange) – Expert on the Kimberley Process, diamond regulations, and international trade standards.
• Alethea Inns (Gemological Science International – GSI) – Leading expert in diamond grading, colored gemstone science, and gemological education.
• Raluca Angel (Natural Diamond Council) – Policy and transparency expert who helps shape global regulatory frameworks for diamonds.

New members outside the industry

• Antonino Serra Cambaceres – Consumer protection specialist with decades of experience in regulatory processes.
• Chris Vandome (Chatham House) – Researcher on commodity regulation, environmental issues, and African political economy.
• Abbi Buxton – Human rights and gender expert with a focus on artisanal mining and community-based supply chains.

New guest members

• Laure Williams (Richemont) – ESG specialist for responsible sourcing within the Richemont brands.
• Francesco Giunta (Heraeus) – Expert in LBMA-compliant mine assessments and international audit processes.
• Kesah Trowell (Watches of Switzerland) – CSR and communications professional with 30 years of experience in luxury, retail, and industry.

Together, this group represents nearly all facets of the modern jewelry and watch ecosystem—and ensures that future standards remain realistic, credible, and globally compatible.

A shared vision for a responsible future

RJC Interim Director John Hall summarizes the course as follows:

“The expertise of the new co-chairs and the entire commission will ensure that the RJC standards remain credible, inclusive, and closely aligned with global expectations.”

All appointments will take effect on January 1, 2026—at a time when new ESG regulations and supply chain requirements are gaining importance worldwide. With over 2,000 members in 74 countries, the RJC remains the most important international standards system in the jewelry and watch industry.