Responsible Jewellery Council strengthens its Standards Committee

A pivotal moment for transparency and trust in the luxury segment.

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world's leading standards organization for the jewelry and watch industry, has restructured the leadership of its Standards Committee – the body that plays a key role in defining responsible sourcing, environmental responsibility and ethical business management in the future.

With the appointment of Sara Yood, President & CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (USA), and Eduard Stefanescu, With the addition of Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER (Germany), RJC gains two proven experts in compliance, ESG, and supply chain governance. Their expertise perfectly reflects what industry and consumers expect from luxury today: greater transparency, clearer rules, and credible accountability.

Strengthening consumer confidence – the new definition of luxury

More than ever, jewelry- and watch buyers and collectors know the story behind their pieces:
Where did the materials come from? Under what conditions were they extracted? Was the environment protected?

The RJC is one of the few organizations worldwide that can formulate binding, internationally recognized answers to these questions. A stronger committee therefore also means greater trust – and a clear direction for how luxury will develop in the coming years.

Luxury is no longer defined solely by rarity or virtuoso craftsmanship. It is increasingly defined by... Responsibility, transparency and integrity.

Why this is important for brands, retailers and increasingly for consumers

The jewelry and watch industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Regulatory requirements are increasing, supply chains are being reassessed, and consumers are making increasingly value-based purchasing decisions. Against this backdrop, the RJC's Standards Committee is far more than an administrative body – it provides the framework for how trust is built in the luxury market.

For brands, the strengthened structure means clearer international requirements and better-defined guidelines for due diligence, material traceability, and responsible sourcing. These standards help companies navigate an increasingly regulated environment and position themselves credibly in a market where transparency has long been part of the luxury promise.

The impact is equally significant for consumers. They gain deeper insights into the origin of the precious metals and gemstones used, greater assurance regarding environmental and social standards, and a better understanding of how responsibly each step of the supply chain is managed. Trust in jewelry and watches today is no longer solely based on craftsmanship and design, but also on values and verifiable origins.

The Standards Committee now represents the entire value chain.

To strengthen the multi-stakeholder approach, the RJC has appointed a broad group of new members – including leading figures from mining, refining, production, gemology, sustainability, politics, trade and consumer protection.

New industry representatives

• Ben Ronca (Leach Garner) – Specializing in metal sourcing, financial control and responsible supply chains.
• Donald Bray (Fura Gems) – Chief Sustainability Officer with a focus on biodiversity, CO₂ reduction and ESG in high-risk regions.
• Melanie Mater (De Beers) – Responsible for human rights due diligence, money laundering prevention and ESG programs.
• Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue) – Driving force for ethical procurement, transparency and the advancement of women in the industry.
• Wafa Jaffery (DMCC / Dubai Diamond Exchange) – Expert in the Kimberley Process, diamond regulations and international trade standards.
• Alethea Inns (Gemological Science International – GSI) – Leading expert in diamond grading, color stone science and gemological training.
• Raluca Angel (Natural Diamond Council) – A policy and transparency expert who helps shape global regulatory frameworks for diamonds.

New members from outside the industry

• Antonino Serra Cambaceres – Consumer protection specialist with decades of experience in regulatory processes.
• Chris Vandome (Chatham House) – Researcher on resource regulation, environmental issues and African political economy.
• Abbi Buxton – Human rights and gender expert with a focus on artisanal mining and community-based supply chains.

New guest members

• Laure Williams (Richemont) – ESG expert for responsible procurement within the Richemont brands.
• Francesco Giunta (Heraeus) – Expert in LBMA-compliant mine assessments and international audit processes.
• Kesah Trowell (Watches of Switzerland) – CSR and communications professional with 30 years of experience in luxury, trade and industry.

Together, this group represents almost all facets of the modern jewelry and watch ecosystem – and ensures that future standards remain realistic, credible and globally compatible.

A shared vision for a responsible future

RJC Interim Director John Hall summarizes this change:

„"The expertise of the new Co-Chairs and the entire Commission will ensure that the RJC standards remain credible, inclusive and closely aligned with global expectations."“

All appointments take effect on January 1, 2026 In force – fittingly, in a year in which new ESG regulations and supply chain requirements are gaining significant importance worldwide. With more than 2,000 member companies in 74 countries The RJC remains the most influential standard system in the jewelry and watchmaking world.