A delegation of senior officials from the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), which included Chairman James Courage (Platinum Guild International); Honorary Treasurer FerielZerouki (De Beers Group); and its new Chief Executive Officer AshishDeo, met with representatives of the GJEPC and the Bharat Diamond Bourse.

The GJEPC team at the meeting led Vipul Shah, Chairman, included Suresh Shah, Ajesh Mehta, Colin Shah, Nilesh Shah and Sabyasachi Ray; Anoop Mehta, President BDB represented the bourse.

AshishDeo made a presentation about the RJC.  Deo informed those present that RJC’s Mission, Vision & Values were revised last year prior to RJC launching its new Code of Practices. “These re-vitalised statements emphasise pipeline integrity and a respect for human rights across the global jewellery supply chain”, he said.

Deoemphasised that since its launch in 2005, the RJC had made considerable progress. Today, the body has almost 550 members spread across 50 countries; and includes both large and small companies from different segments of the supply chain.  Nearly 400 members – representing   nearly 6000 locations and employing 270,000 people – are certified under the Code of Practices (CoP).  There are 31 certified members in India covering 123 locations/facilities.

Deo also said that as part of its future plans, RJC intends to maximise its coverage and impact in existing sectors – gold, platinum and diamonds – over the next 18-24 months; and to examine and review the opportunities in other sectors like coloured gemstones.

Deo also provided a detailed insight into RJC certification, how it works and its member support framework.

The GJEPC requested thatRJC put up Compliance Guidance Notes on its website as currently there was little clarity on the issue. An important point raised by those at the meeting centered around creating a level playing field, which some felt does not exist today.