LONDON – In a move signaling a new chapter for transparency and ethical governance within the global luxury sector, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)—the industry’s primary standard-setting body—has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its Standards Committee. Effective January 1, 2026, this shift brings together a powerhouse of regulatory, technical, and sustainability experts tasked with navigating the increasingly complex landscape of responsible business conduct.
The appointment of two new Co-Chairs, Sara Yood and Eduard Stefanescu, marks a pivotal moment for the organization. As the jewellery and watch industry faces heightened scrutiny regarding supply-chain provenance, environmental impact, and human rights, the Standards Committee stands as the vanguard, ensuring that the RJC’s Codes of Practice, Chain of Custody, and Laboratory Grown Materials standards remain both rigorous and resilient.
The New Vanguard: Leadership Profiles
The selection of Sara Yood and Eduard Stefanescu reflects the RJC’s commitment to balancing legal compliance with technical innovation.
Sara Yood: Bridging Law and Integrity
As President and CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Sara Yood brings an unparalleled understanding of the regulatory hurdles facing the U.S. and international markets. Her career has been defined by a focus on legal guidance, consumer protection, and the promotion of integrity in trade.
In her new capacity as Co-Chair, Yood will lead efforts to align RJC standards with evolving global due diligence frameworks. “The process of updating and maintaining these standards is complicated, yet deeply rewarding,” Yood remarked. “While the nuance of the text might seem dry to some, it is the bedrock upon which trust in our industry is built. Serving as a steward of these standards is a challenging, yet gratifying, exercise.”
Eduard Stefanescu: Championing Circularity
Representing C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG, Eduard Stefanescu introduces a technical, geoscientist’s perspective to the leadership team. With a background in refining and precious metals recycling, Stefanescu is a recognized leader in the circular economy. His influence extends to his roles as Chair of both the European and German Precious Metals Federations’ sustainability platforms.
“The RJC holds both a responsibility and an opportunity to address global challenges,” Stefanescu noted. “My goal is to help the organization remain the industry’s frontrunner in embedding ESG principles, ensuring that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a measurable, transparent reality across the entire value chain.”
A Multi-Stakeholder Evolution: The New Committee Composition
The restructuring extends well beyond the Co-Chairs. The RJC has curated a diverse assembly of industry experts, civil society representatives, and academic researchers to ensure a truly multi-stakeholder approach.
Industry Representatives
The incoming cohort includes leaders from some of the most influential entities in the jewellery world:
- Ben Ronca (Leach Garner): Bringing expertise in conflict minerals compliance and financial strategy.
- Donald Bray (Fura Gems): An expert in biodiversity and ESG metrics, aligning the industry with GRI and ICMM standards.
- Melanie Mater (De Beers): A specialist in human rights due diligence and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols.
- Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue): A dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment and ethical sourcing.
- Wafa Jaffery (DMCC): A veteran of the diamond ecosystem, focusing on governance frameworks and the Kimberley Process.
- Alethea Inns (Gemological Science International): A pioneer in gemological education and technical standards.
- Raluca Angel (Natural Diamond Council): A strategic voice in EU policy and global regulatory engagement.
Non-Industry and Civil Society Voices
To ensure the committee remains grounded in the public interest, the RJC has integrated non-industry experts:
- Antonino Serra Cambaceres: A consumer rights expert with three decades of experience in public policy.
- Chris Vandome (Chatham House): A researcher specializing in extractives governance and African political economy.
- Abbi Buxton: A specialist in gender, inequality, and human rights within the artisanal and large-scale mining sectors.
Chronology and Transition: A Planned Handover
The transition process began with the identification of key skill gaps in the existing committee, followed by a global recruitment drive that prioritized inclusivity.
- December 7, 2025: Official announcement of the new appointments.
- December 16–18, 2025: The Standards Committee convenes in London. This pivotal meeting serves as a bridge, where incoming and outgoing members collaborate to ensure a seamless transfer of knowledge and strategic continuity.
- January 1, 2026: The new committee officially assumes its responsibilities, marking the commencement of the new term.
The RJC has expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing members, including former Co-Chair Purvi Shah of De Beers, whose leadership has been instrumental in navigating the industry through recent years of unprecedented change.
Supporting Data: Why This Committee Matters
The jewellery industry is currently navigating a "perfect storm" of regulatory requirements. With the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and increasing global focus on the provenance of diamonds and precious metals, the work of the RJC Standards Committee is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity.
The RJC currently represents over 2,000 member companies across 74 countries. Its standards are audited against the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice, the gold standard for sustainability systems. The committee’s mandate is to ensure that these standards evolve to address:
- Supply Chain Transparency: Tracking materials from mine to retail.
- Environmental Stewardship: Reducing carbon footprints and water usage in mining.
- Social Equity: Ensuring fair labor practices and the protection of vulnerable communities in mining regions.
Official Responses and Strategic Implications
John Hall, the Interim Executive Director of the RJC, highlighted the strategic importance of this reshuffle during his briefing on Wednesday. “Our standards must remain credible and inclusive,” Hall stated. “By bringing in expertise from mining, finance, human rights, and consumer advocacy, we are future-proofing our framework. This committee is not just writing rules; they are defining what it means to be a responsible participant in the modern global economy.”
The Implication of "Personal Capacity"
A notable feature of these appointments is the emphasis on members serving in their "personal capacity." This is a deliberate design choice by the RJC to ensure that committee decisions are based on objective, expert judgment rather than the specific commercial interests of the firms the members happen to represent. This creates a firewall of independence that bolsters the legitimacy of the standards produced.
Looking Ahead: The Challenges of 2026 and Beyond
As the industry moves toward 2026, the committee faces a dense agenda. The integration of laboratory-grown materials (LGM) into the existing standards framework remains a high-priority topic. Furthermore, the committee will be tasked with harmonizing RJC standards with emerging digital passport technologies that aim to digitize the history of every gemstone.
The inclusion of experts like Chris Vandome from Chatham House suggests that the RJC is looking beyond the factory floor and into the geopolitical realities of extraction. By understanding the "African political economy," the committee aims to prevent the displacement of artisanal miners—a risk often associated with over-regulation—and instead find ways to integrate them into the formal, certified economy.
Conclusion: A Foundation of Trust
The restructuring of the RJC Standards Committee is a statement of intent. In an era where consumers are increasingly skeptical of "greenwashing" and demand rigorous proof of ethical conduct, the RJC is positioning itself to be the ultimate arbiter of truth. By assembling this diverse team of thinkers, practitioners, and advocates, the organization is ensuring that the jewellery industry can continue to thrive, not just in terms of profit, but in terms of its contribution to global human rights and environmental protection.
As the London meetings conclude this December, the industry will be watching closely. The standards developed by this group will, in the coming years, likely define the threshold for market access for thousands of businesses worldwide. For the Responsible Jewellery Council, the message is clear: the future of luxury is defined by the depth of its values.
About the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
The RJC is the foremost standards and certification body for the global jewellery and watch industry. Through its member-driven audit program, the organization fosters a culture of responsible business practices across the entire value chain—from diamond mines and gold refineries to retail boutiques. As an ISEAL Code Compliant member, the RJC remains committed to the highest levels of transparency and independent verification.
For inquiries, contact the RJC Communications Team at [email protected] or +44 207 321 0992.
