Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): Announces New Officer and Board Appointments

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standards and certification organization for the jewelry and watch industry, announced new representatives for its Board of Directors and governing bodies at its 2026 General Assembly. Today, the RJC brings together over 2,000 member companies from 74 countries across the entire supply chain—from mining companies and diamond and gemstone traders to jewelry and watch brands and retailers.

The organization is internationally recognized as a leading standard-setter for responsible business practices in the jewelry and watch industry. Members commit to adhering to the “Code of Practices” and undergo independent audits. Issues such as transparency, supply chains, sustainability, human rights, and responsible sourcing of raw materials are becoming increasingly important across the industry.

New Appointments Following the 2026 Annual General Meeting

The new appointments follow a twelve-week election process within the RJC membership. New appointments were made to both officer positions and board seats.

The new officers include:

• Edward Asscher (Royal Asscher Diamond Company) as Vice Chair
• Udi Sheintal (World Diamond Council) as Honorary Secretary
• Arnav Akshay Mehta (Blue Star Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.) as Honorary Treasurer

Future members of the board will include representatives from De Beers, Tiffany & Co., Rosy Blue, Argor-Heraeus, Richline Group, Cartier, IGI India, and the French industry association UFBJOP.

Three appointments that send a strong signal

Particular attention is being paid to the new officer positions, which also reflect key trends within the industry.

Edward Asscher, the new Vice-Chair of the RJC, is a fifth-generation member of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company and has been one of the leading figures in the international diamond industry for decades. As the former president of the World Diamond Council, he played a key role in the development of the Kimberley Process and is a champion—like few others—of transparency, responsible supply chains, and international industry standards.

Udi Sheintal, the RJC’s new Honorary Secretary, also brings extensive experience in governance and compliance. As Secretary and General Counsel of the World Diamond Council, he was closely involved with the Kimberley Process and international regulatory and industry standards for many years.

With the appointment of Arnav Akshay Mehta of Blue Star Diamonds, the Asian perspective within the RJC is gaining further prominence. His appointment underscores India’s growing importance within the global diamond and jewelry industry, as well as the increasing focus on international supply chains and responsible sourcing.

Responsibility is becoming more strategic

These personnel changes also highlight just how significantly the industry’s focus is shifting. Sustainability, proof of origin, ESG issues, and responsible supply chains are no longer peripheral concerns; rather, they are increasingly becoming strategic factors for luxury brands, retailers, and consumer confidence.

Especially in the high-end segment, there is a growing expectation that jewelry and watches should not only be impressive in terms of craftsmanship and aesthetics, but also be produced in a transparent and responsible manner.

Purvi Shah, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, stated:

““The Annual General Meeting is an important moment for member participation and
governance within RJC, providing our community with the opportunity to shape the
organisation’s future direction with purpose. We are pleased to welcome our newly
elected representatives and look forward to working with them as we continue advancing
responsible business practices, collaboration and positive impact across the jewellery and
watch industry.”

Dave Meleski, Chair of the RJC, also emphasized the significance of the new appointments:

“Strong governance and member engagement remain central to RJC’s work and longterm
ambition. These appointments reflect the voice of our membership and bring valuable
expertise and perspectives to the RJC as we continue supporting the responsible growth and
evolution of our industry.”

Between Regulation and Luxury Positioning

For the international jewelry and watch industry, the importance of organizations such as the RJC is likely to continue to grow. As regulatory requirements in Europe and the United States become more stringent, responsible business practices are also increasingly becoming an integral part of brand positioning in the luxury sector.

Major jewelry houses and watch brands, in particular, are currently investing heavily in traceability, certified supply chains, and sustainable materials. At the same time, independent brands are also showing growing interest in credible standards and internationally recognized certifications.

The new appointments at the RJC thus not only signal a personnel change within the organization, but also reflect the growing strategic importance of accountability and transparency within the global jewelry and watch industry.

The current members of the RJC Board of Directors:

• Dave Meleski – Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council
  Responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the RJC.
• Edward Asscher – Vice Chair
  of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company
  , member of the extended board of directors, and vice chair of the RJC.
• Udi Sheintal – Honorary Secretary
  of the World Diamond Council
  Responsible for governance and administrative processes within the RJC.
• Arnav Akshay Mehta – Honorary Treasurer
  of Blue Star Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.
  Responsible for financial matters and treasury duties at the RJC.
• Emma Wade-Smith – De Beers Group
  Category: Diamonds, Colored Gemstones, or Precious Metals Mining
  Representative for the Mining Companies division.
• Victoria Wirth Reynolds – Tiffany & Co.
  Category: Diamonds and Colored Gemstones Trader, Cutter, and/or Polisher
  Representing the diamond and gemstone trade as well as the processing sector.
• Ravi Bhansali – Rosy Blue NV
  Category: Diamonds and Colored Gemstones Trader, Cutter, and/or Polisher
  Representing the international diamond and gemstone trade.
• Dr. Robin Kolvenbach – Argor-Heraeus SA
  Category: Precious Metals Trader, Refiner, and/or Hedger
  Representing the precious metals trading and refining sectors.
• Arien Gessner – Richline Group
  Category: Jewelry and Watch Manufacturer and/or Wholesaler
  Representation of jewelry and watch manufacturers and/or wholesalers.
• Anouchka Didier-Mansour – Cartier
  Category: Jewelry and Watch Retailer
  Representing the jewelry and watch retail sector.
• Kareena Shahani – International Gemological Institute (India) Pvt Ltd.
  Category: Service Industry
  Representing the service and certification industry.
• Bernadette Pinet Cuoq – Union française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres et des Perles (UFBJOP)
  Category: Trade Association
  Representing international industry associations.

Find out more about RJC: https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/