The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading global authority on standards for the jewellery and watch industry, has officially inaugurated the 2026 term of its Standards Committee. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s governance evolution, signaling a deepened commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship in an era of heightened consumer scrutiny and complex global supply chains.
The appointment of a new cohort of industry and non-industry leaders—spearheaded by two newly appointed Co-Chairs—is designed to bridge the gap between high-level policy and the operational realities of the trade. As the sector faces increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability, human rights protections, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, this committee will serve as the primary architect for the standards that define "responsible business" for millions of stakeholders worldwide.
The New Leadership: A Dual Perspective
The RJC has adopted a bifurcated leadership model, appointing one industry expert and one non-industry specialist to co-chair the committee. This balance is fundamental to the RJC’s mission of ensuring that standards are not only rigorous and compliant with international law but also commercially viable and practical for businesses to implement.
Sara Yood: Bridging Law and Practice
Representing the non-industry perspective, Sara Yood, President & CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), brings a wealth of legal expertise. Her focus on U.S. regulatory landscapes and consumer protection is expected to be a cornerstone of the committee’s work.
"As I step into the co-chair role, I am looking forward to continuing the complicated but rewarding work of updating and maintaining the various RJC standards," Yood stated. "We know that the nuance of the text is vitally important to the businesses that rely on it, but many may not fully grasp just how many hands it passes through before approval. Serving as one of those layers is a challenging yet gratifying exercise."
Eduard Stefanescu: Technical Stewardship
On the industry side, Eduard Stefanescu, Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG, steps into the Co-Chair role. A geoscientist by training, Stefanescu is a recognized authority in circularity and precious metals innovation. His leadership is poised to push the RJC toward deeper integration of environmental stewardship.
"RJC carries both a responsibility and an opportunity to address global challenges through standards that promote human and labour rights, environmental protection, and transparency," Stefanescu noted. "My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, and responsible supply chains."
Chronology and Evolution of the Committee
The RJC Standards Committee has undergone a steady evolution since its inception, transforming from a foundational regulatory body into a sophisticated governance entity.
- Foundation and Early Years: The committee was established to provide a baseline for ethical conduct. During this period, the focus was primarily on basic compliance and conflict-free sourcing.
- Expansion Phase: As the global demand for transparency grew, the committee expanded to include voices from civil society, academia, and specialized NGOs, ensuring that human rights were elevated to the same priority level as supply chain integrity.
- The 2026 Mandate: Entering this new term, the committee is shifting its focus toward "impact-driven" standards. The mandate for 2026 emphasizes the integration of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) engagement, carbon footprint reporting, and rigorous consumer-facing communication.
Supporting Data: Why This Committee Matters
The importance of this committee cannot be overstated when viewed through the lens of the industry’s scale. The global jewellery and watch market is a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem that touches the lives of over 20 million people engaged in artisanal and small-scale gold and gemstone mining alone.
The RJC standards act as the "rulebook" for members, and the committee’s role is to ensure these rules remain "future-ready." Data from the RJC indicates a consistent year-over-year increase in the uptake of certification, demonstrating that market participants view adherence to these standards not merely as a regulatory requirement, but as a competitive advantage. The committee is tasked with maintaining the balance between the technical complexity of these standards and their accessibility to smaller players in the supply chain.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
The new committee members have expressed a unified vision for their term: the need for standards that are meaningful, workable, and transformative.
Addressing the ASM Sector
Marcin Piersiak, representing the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), emphasized that the committee’s most critical task is moving the needle on the ground. "Artisanal and small-scale gold and gemstone mining employs over 20 million people worldwide," Piersiak stated. "The revised RJC standards now provide the framework for this engagement, but turning principles into action requires commitment from RJC members."
The Retailer’s Reality
Kessa Trowell, a committee guest and industry veteran, highlighted the necessity of collaboration. "I am excited to collaborate with—and learn from—diverse voices across the watch and jewellery industry. I look forward to helping shape practical, forward-looking solutions that drive improvement, build trust and strengthen the integrity of our industry as a whole."
Continuity and Institutional Memory
Alexander Gul, entering his second year on the committee, brings a focus on the transition from high-level ideals to operational reality. "What I’m most looking forward to is helping bridge the gap between high-level standards and the realities of how our industry actually operates. Our company has been part of the RJC community since 2013, and I’m genuinely motivated to help shape standards that are not only responsible but workable, meaningful and future ready."
Implications: The Road Ahead
The 2026 Standards Committee faces a rapidly changing global environment. The implications of their work will be felt across several key areas:
1. Enhanced Consumer Trust
With consumer demand for ethical products at an all-time high, the committee’s focus on clear, non-misleading communication is paramount. As Antonio Serra noted, the goal is to ensure that "responsible business practices across the jewellery supply chain reflect not only industry expertise but also the expectations and rights of consumers."
2. Standardized Sustainability
By integrating ESG principles more deeply into the standard-setting process, the committee is positioning the jewellery sector as a leader in corporate accountability. This involves moving beyond simple auditing toward a culture of continuous improvement, as highlighted by outgoing Joint Chair Ainsley Butler, who noted the "maturity of the standards framework" and the growing demand for certification.
3. Supply Chain Integrity
The inclusion of diverse voices—from raw material suppliers to luxury retailers—ensures that the standards created are robust enough to withstand the complexities of global sourcing. The committee’s commitment to "constructive debate" and "technical insight" will be the primary mechanism for mitigating risks related to human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and lack of transparency.
Full Composition of the 2026 Standards Committee
The committee reflects a deliberate mix of industry leaders and independent experts:
Joint-Chairs:
- Industry: Eduard Stefanescu (C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG)
- Non-Industry: Sara Yood (Jewellers Vigilance Committee, JVC)
Industry Members:
- Alexander Gul (A. Gul KG)
- Alethea Inns (Geological Science International)
- Ben Ronca (Leach Garner)
- Charlene Nemson (Hermes)
- Donald Bray (Fura Gems)
- Marie-Charlotte Drusene Chancogne (Chanel)
- Melanie Mater (De Beers Group)
- Noora Jamsheer (Danat)
- Phillipe Telouk (SAAMP)
- Raluca Anghel (Natural Diamond Council)
- Silvia Bezzone (Bvlgari Group and LVMH Italia)
- Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue)
- Wafa Jaffery (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, DMCC)
Non-Industry Members:
- Abbi Buxton (Independent Consultant)
- Antonino Serra Cambaceres (International Consumer Protection Expert)
- Chris Vandome (Chatham House)
- Maggie Gabos (Responsible Minerals Initiative)
- Marcin Piersiak (Alliance for Responsible Mining, ARM)
- Monica Barcellos Harris (Conservation International)
- Professor Gavin Hilson (Surrey Business School)
- Renata Lawton Misra (Carbon Trust)
- Laurent Massi (Independent Consultant)
Guests of the Committee:
- Francesco Giunta, Kesah Trowell, Kim Wenzel, Laure Williams, Marco Quadri.
As the 2026 term begins, the jewellery industry watches with anticipation. With a committee that combines legal precision, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to social impact, the RJC is well-positioned to navigate the next chapter of industry reform. The work ahead is undeniably complex, but the dedication of this group suggests that the foundation for a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable future is stronger than ever.
