The Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices (CRJP) has released the implementation documents for its system of certifying responsible ethical, social and environmental practices through the diamond and gold jewelry supply chain, the group announced on Thursday.
In addition, the organization has debuted a new logo and a new, simplified name: the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).
The council's system, known as the "RJC System," requires council members to be audited by an accredited third party to verify their conformance with the council's standards, which are set out in its Code of Practices.
Members who are verified as conforming to the code will be certified members of the RJC.
"We are acutely aware that our industry is facing extremely challenging times and that companies must focus their immediate attention on financial and operational issues," Matthew Runci, RJC chairman and CEO of Jewelers of America, said in a media release. "Nevertheless, the over 80 members of the Responsible Jewelry Council, from miners to manufacturers to retailers, remain committed to the importance of ethical business practices and reinforcing consumer confidence in the gold and diamond jewelry supply chain. Now, more than ever, the industry must demonstrate responsible practices and protect its reputation."
Members of the RJC as of Dec. 31 are required to undergo the certification process by December 2010. Companies that join after Dec. 31 will need to undergo verification within two years.
The RJC system is expected to become fully operational in the second quarter of 2009.The certification system is set out in five core implementation documents that will guide members and accredited auditors through the process. The documents are available on the RJC's Web site, ResponsibleJewellery.com.
