LONDON – In a move signaling a new chapter of rigor and global alignment, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)—the world’s foremost authority on standards for the jewellery and watch industry—has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its Standards Committee. Effective January 1, 2026, this shift brings together a powerhouse of regulatory, technical, and sustainability expertise designed to fortify the integrity of the global gemstone and precious metals supply chain.
At the helm of this transition are two newly appointed Co-Chairs: Sara Yood, President and CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), and Eduard Stefanescu, Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG. Their appointment, announced on December 7, comes at a pivotal time when the industry faces unprecedented scrutiny regarding transparency, human rights, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
A Strategic Pivot: The Role of the Standards Committee
The Standards Committee serves as the heartbeat of the RJC. It is the body tasked with the heavy lifting of maintaining, revising, and enforcing the RJC’s Codes of Practice, Chain of Custody standards, and the increasingly vital guidelines for Laboratory Grown Materials.
As global regulatory landscapes—from the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to stringent U.S. import requirements—become more complex, the RJC’s role as an arbiter of "responsible business conduct" has evolved. The committee’s mandate is to ensure that these standards remain not just theoretical frameworks, but robust, enforceable mechanisms that protect consumer trust and industry reputation.
Profiles in Leadership: Meet the New Co-Chairs
Sara Yood: Bridging Compliance and Ethics
Sara Yood, long recognized as a preeminent authority on U.S. jewellery industry regulations, brings a deep background in consumer protection and legal compliance to the RJC. In her capacity as President and CEO of the JVC, Yood has spent years navigating the intersection of law and trade, making her uniquely qualified to steer the RJC toward greater alignment with international due diligence frameworks.
"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. She acknowledged the meticulous nature of the work, noting that while the dense technical language of standards may seem daunting, it is the bedrock of business integrity. "We know that the nuance of the text is vitally important to the businesses that rely on it. Serving as one of those layers [of review] is a challenging yet gratifying exercise."
Eduard Stefanescu: The Technical Vanguard
Joining Yood is Eduard Stefanescu, a Geoscientist whose career has been defined by his work in precious metals circularity and refining. As the Sustainability Manager for C.HAFNER, Stefanescu has pioneered approaches to supply-chain integrity that balance industrial scale with environmental stewardship. His dual roles as Chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and Chair of the German Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Working Committee provide him with a panoramic view of the European regulatory climate.
"The experience has exceeded my expectations in terms of mutual respect and teamwork among diverse stakeholders," Stefanescu remarked. He emphasized that the RJC possesses a unique opportunity to act as a global catalyst for change. "My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, and transparency, while encouraging collaboration across the industry."
A Multi-Stakeholder Ecosystem: The New Committee Composition
The restructuring goes far beyond the top-tier leadership. The RJC has curated a diverse roster of committee members, drawing from across the jewellery value chain, civil society, and consumer advocacy groups. This multi-stakeholder approach is a strategic necessity in an era where "sustainability" is no longer a corporate buzzword but a mandatory business requirement.
Industry Representatives: The Technical Experts
The new cohort of industry representatives includes:
- Ben Ronca (Leach Garner): Focused on financial strategy and metals procurement, Ronca brings essential expertise in conflict minerals compliance.
- Donald Bray (Fura Gems): As a Chief Sustainability Officer, Bray brings a wealth of experience in high-risk region operations, biodiversity, and carbon reduction.
- Melanie Mater (De Beers): A leader in human rights due diligence, Mater’s work with Best Practice Principles is pivotal to the committee’s ethical oversight.
- Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue): An advocate for women’s empowerment and ethical sourcing, Michel bridges the gap between ESG policy and ground-level operations.
- Wafa Jaffery (DMCC): Bringing deep knowledge of the Dubai diamond ecosystem and Kimberley Process governance.
- Alethea Inns (Gemological Science International): A leader in gemological education, ensuring that technical standards for grading and identification remain sharp.
- Raluca Angel (Natural Diamond Council): An expert in EU policy and global advocacy, critical for the RJC’s regulatory alignment.
Non-Industry Members: The Conscience of the Committee
To ensure the standards serve the public interest, the RJC has appointed representatives from consumer and research backgrounds:
- Antonino Serra Cambaceres: An Argentine lawyer with 30 years of experience in consumer protection and public policy.
- Chris Vandome: A Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, specializing in African political economy and extractive governance.
- Abbi Buxton: A specialist in human rights and gender equality, with specific experience in artisanal mining and community-led development.
The Legacy of Outgoing Leadership
The RJC expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing members, including Co-Chair Purvi Shah (De Beers), who guided the committee through a period of significant growth. Other notable contributors stepping down include Robin Kolvenbach (Argor-Heraeus SA) and Ainsley Butler (Building Markets). Their collective efforts have cemented the RJC’s reputation as an ISEAL Code-compliant organization, a benchmark of quality that has become the industry’s gold standard.
Implications for the Future
The implications of this transition are clear: the RJC is moving toward a more transparent and technically rigorous future. With the Standards Committee meeting in London from December 16–18 to manage the handover, the incoming members are being integrated rapidly to ensure continuity.
Key Objectives for the 2026 Mandate:
- Regulatory Alignment: Harmonizing RJC standards with the rapidly evolving EU and global legislative requirements on supply-chain due diligence.
- Environmental Stewardship: Scaling up initiatives on carbon reduction, circularity, and biodiversity in mining regions.
- Human Rights and Social Equity: Deepening the focus on labour rights, gender equality, and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
- Technological Integration: Utilizing data-driven approaches to verify compliance and enhance traceability from mine to retail.
"We are delighted to welcome Sara and Eduard as Co-Chairs," said John Hall, Interim Executive Director of the RJC. "Their collective leadership will help ensure RJC’s standards remain credible, inclusive, and aligned with global expectations."
About the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
The RJC is the leading standards organization for the global jewellery and watch industry, boasting over 2,000 member companies across 74 countries. From the initial extraction of precious metals and stones to the final retail sale, the RJC provides an independent, audited framework that ensures responsible business practices. By holding its members accountable to the RJC Code of Practices, the organization continues to set the benchmark for ethical trade in one of the world’s most complex global industries.
As the industry prepares for the implementation of these changes on January 1, 2026, the message from London is one of stability and forward-thinking. The jewellery industry is being asked to account for its impact more than ever before, and through this new committee, the RJC is ensuring it has the leadership, expertise, and diverse perspective required to meet that challenge head-on.
