Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Explained
In brief: The Responsible Jewellery Council is a global, not-for-profit standards and certification organisation for the jewellery and watch industry. It works with members from mine to retail to create a responsible worldwide supply chain that promotes trust in the global fine jewellery sector by upholding human rights, labour rights, environmental impact, and business ethics.
What is Responsible Jewellery Council?
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is the leading standards authority in the global watch and fine jewellery industry. Founded in 2005 by a group of 14 prominent organisations, including De Beers Group, Cartier, and Rio Tinto, its mission is to create a more transparent and responsible supply chain. The RJC provides a framework for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices, covering the entire journey of precious materials from the mine, through cutting and polishing, to the final retail counter.
At its core, the RJC has established a comprehensive standard known as the Code of Practices (COP). This standard addresses a wide range of issues, including human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, mining practices, product disclosure, and more. By becoming certified members, companies like OD's Jewellers and our trusted suppliers commit to being audited against these rigorous standards, providing customers with vital assurance that their treasured pieces are not only beautiful but also conscientiously sourced and crafted.
How Responsible Jewellery Council works
The RJC operates through a system of membership and third-party certification. A jewellery business voluntarily joins the RJC and commits to its ethical standards. Within two years of joining, the member company must undergo a mandatory, independent audit against the RJC's Code of Practices (COP). This audit is conducted by accredited, specially trained auditors who assess the company's policies, procedures, and operations.
If the business successfully meets all the requirements of the standard, it becomes an RJC Certified Member. This certification is valid for three years, after which a re-certification audit is required to ensure ongoing compliance. For businesses that handle precious metals, the RJC also offers a voluntary Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, which provides further assurance about the provenance of gold, silver, and platinum group metals, verifying they are from conflict-free and responsibly managed sources.
Key characteristics
As the RJC is a certification, not a material, its characteristics are about assurance rather than physical attributes. The primary "hallmark" of RJC involvement is a jeweller's certified status, which you can verify on the RJC website. This provides peace of mind that the business adheres to the highest ethical standards. While the jewellery itself will not feel different or have a special mark, the knowledge of its responsible journey adds an intangible value. The durability and feel of the piece are determined by its constituent materials, like 18ct gold or platinum, whose responsible sourcing is what the RJC certification validates.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Responsible Jewellery Council | Fairtrade Gold | Kimberley Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad: Human rights, labour, environment, ethics across the entire supply chain. | Specific: Fair price, social development, and safe conditions for miners. | Narrow: To prevent the trade of rough diamonds from conflict zones. |
| Focus | Business practices and supply chain management from mine to retail. | Empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. | Government-level regulation of the international trade of rough diamonds. |
| Material Coverage | Diamonds, coloured gemstones, gold, silver, and platinum group metals. | Primarily gold, with associated silver and platinum from the same source. | Rough diamonds only. |
| Assurance | Independent, third-party audit of a member company's operations. | Product-specific certification ensuring a traceable and ethical source. | National implementation and government-issued certificates for shipments. |
Who is Responsible Jewellery Council best for?
Choosing jewellery from a retailer who supports the RJC framework is best for the conscientious consumer. This individual values not only the beauty and craftsmanship of a piece but also the story behind it. They want assurance that their purchase has made a positive impact, or at the very least, has not contributed to environmental damage, human rights abuses, or unethical labour practices. This mindset transcends budget; whether you are buying a silver charm or a bespoke diamond engagement ring, the desire for transparency and ethical integrity remains the same. It is for anyone who believes that luxury should not come at a hidden social or environmental cost and wishes to align their purchases with their personal values.
Care and longevity
The RJC certification provides peace of mind, but it does not alter the physical properties of your jewellery. The care and longevity of your piece are determined by its materials and craftsmanship. To maintain its beauty, clean your jewellery regularly with a soft cloth or a gentle soak in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, using a soft brush for intricate areas. Store each item separately in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratching. We recommend an annual professional check and clean to ensure settings are secure. The enduring value of choosing an RJC-compliant piece is knowing its story is as sound and lasting as the precious materials from which it is made.
Common questions
Is Responsible Jewellery Council hypoallergenic?
This is a property of the metal itself, not the RJC certification. The RJC certifies the responsible sourcing of many materials, including those that are hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend choosing pieces made from high-purity, nickel-free metals like platinum or 18ct gold. The RJC's role is to provide assurance that these metals were mined and processed in an ethically and environmentally sound manner, not to dictate their final alloy composition.
How do you clean Responsible Jewellery Council?
You do not clean the certification, but the piece of jewellery itself. The cleaning method depends entirely on the materials. For most fine jewellery, a soft toothbrush and a solution of warm water and mild soap are perfectly safe. However, some gemstones like emeralds or pearls require special care. Always follow the specific instructions provided for your piece. The RJC certification ensures the item's ethical provenance but does not change its physical care requirements.
Is Responsible Jewellery Council worth the money?
There is no direct cost added to a piece of jewellery for being RJC compliant. Instead, choosing to buy from an RJC member jeweller is an investment in a more ethical and sustainable industry. For the modern consumer, the value lies in the assurance that their luxury purchase aligns with their principles. Knowing that your jewellery has a transparent and responsible history adds a significant, intangible worth that goes beyond the price tag, making it an invaluable choice for those who care about provenance.
Responsible Jewellery Council at OD's Jewellers
At OD's Jewellers, we are committed to ethical sourcing and transparency. We proudly partner with brands and suppliers who are certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, ensuring the precious metals and gemstones in our pieces meet the highest global standards. Explore our collections with the confidence that beauty and integrity go hand-in-hand. Discover our jewellery here.