Richline Group & Responsible Jewellery Council – How an industry giant makes responsibility measurable

The Richline Group is one of the heavyweights in the international jewelry industry—and at the same time, it is an example of how responsibility can be organized in a binding manner in a complex, global supply chain.

As a vertically integrated group covering almost every stage of the value chain, from semi-finished precious metals and jewelry production to retail concepts, Richline recognized early on that credibility in the luxury segment today is inextricably linked to issues such as human rights, environmental standards, and transparency.

The RJC standard as a binding framework

Membership and certification in the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is therefore much more than a “green” seal of approval: it obliges Richline to undergo regular assessments by independent auditors against a comprehensive code covering business ethics, labor and human rights, environmental protection, health and safety, and supply chain management. For professionals, the RJC has long been a key reference when it comes to the responsible sourcing of gold, silver, platinum metals, diamonds, and colored gemstones—for consumers, it offers guidance in a market where production conditions are mostly hidden from view.

Active participation instead of mere membership

The fact that Richline Group CEO Dave Meleski was elected chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council in 2024 underscores the active role the company plays in setting and developing these standards. In this article, we use Richline as an example to examine what RJC membership actually means: what requirements companies must meet, how the certification process works, and why all of this is becoming increasingly important for the credibility of luxury and jewelry brands, as well as for the decisions of informed buyers.

Dave Meleski on the project “Richeline as part of the RJC”

Looking back over the past 20 years, what inspired Richeline to become part of the RJC and what did she hope to achieve?

Dave Meleski:

On the one hand, inspiration:
When the Richline Group was founded, one of the core pillars of our culture was something we called “Richline Responsible.” It guided how we operated along our supply chain and how we worked with our employees worldwide. This commitment was seamlessly aligned with the mission of the Responsible Jewellery Council when it began its journey, making it a natural step for us to be involved from the outset.

What we wanted to achieve:
We saw an opportunity to lead by example within our industry. We wanted to build trust and confidence among all our stakeholders—our communities, employees, customers, suppliers, and partners. And we hoped to support the creation of a uniform standard that everyone could follow. At that time (and still today), different retailers around the world required different audited processes, which led to inconsistencies and higher audit costs. A single, credible standard was—and still is—a much-needed step forward.

Interview with Dave Meleski as Chairman of the RJC:

What key changes have you observed in the jewelry industry over the past two decades—and how has Richline responded to these developments?

Dave Meleski:
Over the past 20 years, the jewelry industry has undergone significant change—particularly when it comes to setting and adhering to responsible standards. Two decades ago, many thought it was unrealistic to achieve such progress. But the growth in RJC membership shows what is possible when there is a clear path and a shared commitment.

Today, there is a genuine and widespread commitment to adhering to industry and social compliance standards. It is no longer just a conversation—it is a priority. At Richline, we have remained true to our “Richline Responsible” commitment. We haven’t just adapted to change—we’ve consciously tried to stay one step ahead of it. Anticipating what’s coming next and preparing for future standards has been an important part of how we operate.

To what extent has your role as Chairman of the RJC shaped your view of sustainability and your commitment to it?

Dave Meleski:
Serving as Chairman of the RJC was an incredibly valuable experience that shaped my approach to sustainability—not just within Richline, but across the entire industry.

One of the most important insights was a deeper understanding of the extensive work behind the development of the RJC standards and the scale at which assurance processes are applied worldwide. This really highlighted the level of commitment and resources required to live up to our “Richline Responsible” values and maintain our position as a global sustainability leader.

It was also extremely enriching to network with leaders from around the world through the RJC Board. These conversations broadened my perspective on the challenges we face as well as the opportunities we have to drive sustainable change together.

Looking to the future: What are your hopes for the further development of the jewelry industry—and what role do you think the RJC should play in shaping this future?

Dave Meleski:
When I was nominated for the role of Chair, one of my main goals was to expand the RJC’s presence, particularly among retailers in the US. Looking ahead, I hope we continue to make progress in bringing the RJC’s message to more retailers, as they are ultimately the best channel to consumers.

I envision a future in which the RJC is widely recognized by consumers as a trusted symbol representing the tremendous work our industry has invested in responsible practices over the past 20 years. Such recognition would be a powerful affirmation of our collective efforts and a significant step forward for the jewelry industry as a whole.

More about the Richeline Group: https://www.richlinegroup.com/

More about the RJC: https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/