The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has announced a review of its scope to include coloured gemstones. Currently, RJC’s materials scope includes diamonds, gold and platinum group metals. The organisation said that the review “is the focus of a major study (to be) launched later this month” and is the outcome of much discussion over the past five years with RJC’s current membership, external stakeholders and the coloured gemstone sector.

“We've had an enthusiastic response from our valued membership, industry and external parties about going ahead with this initiative," commented Charles Chaussepied, Chairman of the Board of directors of the RJC.

The next revision to the code of practices of the RJC is slated to take place through the 2017 R&D phase. Hence RJC felt that expanding the scope at this juncture would be “timely”.

A multi stakeholder task force has been formed by the Standards work stream which operates under the management of Anne-Marie Fleury, Standards and Impacts Director. This task force will immediately begin work and report regularly to the Standards Committee. 

“It made perfect sense to announce this key initiative at the Baselworld Fair,” says 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.”