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 chapter in the organization’s governance, signaling a reinforced commitment to ethical supply chain management, environmental stewardship, and consumer trust. As the global industry faces mounting pressure to demonstrate transparency and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, this newly appointed body is tasked with the complex, high-stakes work of refining the standards that define responsible business conduct.
The New Guard: Leadership and Vision
The 2026 term introduces a strategic blend of seasoned experts and fresh perspectives, aimed at bridging the gap between high-level policy and practical field-level implementation. The committee is now steered by two newly appointed Co-Chairs who represent the bifurcated nature of the RJC’s mission: balancing industry viability with rigorous third-party oversight.
Sara Yood, President & CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), takes the helm as the Non-Industry Co-Chair. Recognized globally as an authority on legal and regulatory frameworks, Yood brings a wealth of experience in U.S. market integrity and consumer protection. Her appointment underscores the RJC’s focus on legal alignment and due diligence.
“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, and serving as one of those layers—ensuring the text is both robust and actionable—is a challenging yet gratifying exercise.”
Complementing this, Eduard Stefanescu of C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG assumes the role of Industry Co-Chair. A Geoscientist by profession and a leader in precious metals circularity, Stefanescu represents the technical and manufacturing side of the supply chain. His dual roles as Chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and the German counterpart highlight his deep-seated expertise in sustainability.
“My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards that embed sustainability, ESG principles, and transparency,” Stefanescu noted. “The RJC carries both a responsibility and an opportunity to address global challenges through standards that promote human and labour rights, environmental protection, and transparency in supply chains.”
Chronology of Governance: From Foundation to 2026
The formation of this committee is not an isolated event but the culmination of a multi-year strategy to professionalize the RJC’s standards-setting process. Since its inception, the RJC has evolved from a nascent industry initiative into a robust, internationally recognized certifying body.
- 2005–2010: The formative years saw the establishment of the core Code of Practices (COP).
- 2013–2019: The organization expanded its scope to include the full pipeline, from mine to retail, integrating more rigorous third-party auditing requirements.
- 2020–2024: A period of significant disruption caused by the global pandemic and shifting geopolitical landscapes led to the integration of more aggressive sustainability and traceability requirements.
- 2026 Transition: The current term marks the implementation of the "Post-Revision Era," where the committee shifts from massive document overhaul to the refinement of practical, real-world application.
Supporting Data: Why This Committee Matters
The committee’s scope of influence spans an industry that employs millions and involves complex, cross-border value chains. To understand the gravity of the committee’s work, one must look at the data driving their agenda:
- Scope of Influence: The Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector alone employs over 20 million people worldwide. The Committee’s current focus on integrating ASM into the formal economy is a cornerstone of its 2026 strategy.
- Market Demand: There has been a recorded year-on-year increase in the demand for RJC certification, driven by institutional investors and a more conscious retail consumer base that demands verifiable proof of provenance.
- Cross-Sector Representation: The 2026 committee includes representatives from global powerhouses like Chanel, De Beers, and Hermès, alongside specialized NGOs and academic experts from Chatham House and Surrey Business School. This diversity is designed to prevent "industry-echo chambers" and ensure that standards are globally applicable.
Official Responses and Strategic Priorities
The incoming members have been vocal about the specific challenges they intend to address during their tenure.
Bridging the Gap: Industry Realities
Alexander Gul, who continues his service on the committee, emphasizes the necessity of "workable" standards. "My focus is bridging the gap between high-level standards and the realities of how our industry actually operates," he said. His sentiment is echoed by Kessa Trowell, who brings the perspective of a major retailer, focusing on how standards must be interpreted at the point of sale.
The Human Element: ASM and Rights
Marcin Piersiak of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) represents the critical non-industry perspective on human rights. He highlights that the revised standards are merely frameworks; the true impact is found in the "action" taken by members. "With leading jewellery companies and raw material suppliers at the table, we have a unique opportunity to significantly move the needle on how we engage with ASM communities," Piersiak noted.
Consumer Trust and Integrity
Antonio Serra and Jennifer Hillard, representing consumer interests, have stressed the importance of communication. Hillard, reflecting on her time with the committee, noted that the greatest challenge is ensuring that requirements are communicated in a way that is "not misleading." The objective is to ensure that when a consumer sees a certification claim, it accurately reflects the actual impacts and activities of the sector.
Implications: A New Era for the Jewellery Supply Chain
The implications of this committee’s work are far-reaching for the global jewellery market. By professionalizing the standards-setting process, the RJC is effectively insulating the industry against future regulatory crackdowns.
Standardization as a Defense Mechanism
As governments in the EU and North America tighten laws regarding supply chain due diligence, the RJC standards serve as a vital compliance buffer. Companies that align with these standards are better positioned to navigate the complex landscape of anti-money laundering, human rights, and environmental disclosure laws.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Ainsley Butler, former Joint Chair, offered parting advice to the new cohort: "The committee succeeds because of its diversity of expertise. Don’t underestimate the value of your perspective." This culture of open, constructive debate is exactly what the industry needs to evolve. By moving away from "checkbox compliance" and toward a philosophy of continuous improvement, the RJC is signaling that the industry is ready to self-regulate with maturity and transparency.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 Standards Committee faces a daunting task. They must balance the traditional craftsmanship of the jewellery sector with the modern requirements of ESG, digital traceability, and radical transparency. However, with the current composition—a mix of industry titans, legal experts, consumer advocates, and technical specialists—the organization is well-equipped to handle these pressures.
As the industry moves forward, the work performed by the individuals in this committee will be the silent engine behind the trust that consumers place in every watch and piece of jewellery they purchase. The 2026 term represents more than just a change in leadership; it represents a commitment to a future where the beauty of a piece of jewellery is matched by the integrity of its journey.
Full Membership Roster: 2026 Standards Committee
Leadership:
- Joint-Chair (Industry): Eduard Stefanescu (C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG)
- Joint-Chair (Non-Industry): Sara Yood (Jewelers 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.
