The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) lost a few members while we were all focusing on the latest releases at Watches & Wonders. Founded in 2005, the RJC states it is the world’s leading standard-setting organization for the jewelry and watch industry. Created to promote standards that underpin people’s trust in the worldwide jewellery and watch supply chain. Most of the big jewelry brands are were a member of the RJC, including brands of conglomerates such as Richemont, Kering, and LVMH.
“Cartier and other labels have stepped down from the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) after the industry body failed to cut ties with Russia, executives from the group told reporters at the Watches and Wonders watchmakers industry fair on Wednesday” – as noted by Reuters. This is not a small move, and cutting ties with Russia in the jewelry business is easier said than done. Did you know for example that Russia produces roughly 30% of the world’s diamonds?
Other big industry names such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc, Piaget, Kering Group, Watches of Switzerland, and Pandora (the world’s largest jewelry maker) have also left the organization for the same reason. LVMH, which is a founding member of the RJC, has so far remained silent.
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