In an era where global consumers increasingly prioritize transparency, social responsibility, and sustainability, ethical business practices have become a fundamental requirement across various sectors—including the jewelry and watch industry. In this context, “ethics” encompasses responsible sourcing and use of materials, full traceability across the supply chain, fair wages, worker health and safety, and minimizing environmental impact through the use of recycled or reusable resources.

        In response to these growing expectations, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) plays a critical role as a leading international non-profit organization, established in 2005 through the collaboration of 14 founding members in the jewelry industry. RJC aims to raise standards and promote transparency throughout the entire supply chain—from mine to retail—through the development and implementation of ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible practices. These include the prevention of illegal labor, anti-corruption efforts, and reducing environmental impact. Today, RJC has over 2,000 members across 74 countries spanning the full jewelry and watch supply chain.

Source: https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/standards/

To ensure the integrity and accountability of its members, RJC has established core standards that cover business ethics, human rights, environmental protection, and operational management. These include:

1. COP (Code of Practices) 

        The COP defines the requirements for establishing responsible business practices throughout the jewelry supply chain, from mine to retail. It comprises 45 provisions, specifically designed to help members achieve six key objectives:

    • Improve legal and regulatory compliance, strengthen public reporting, and secure a commitment to responsible business practices.

    • Increase the use of due diligence in supply chains to uphold human rights, support community development, promote anti-corruption efforts, and manage sourcing risks.

    • Better comply with international labor conventions and ensure responsible working conditions.

    • Protect the health and safety of both people and the environment and use natural resources efficiently.

    • Adequately control and disclose information about products to avoid misleading or deceptive marketing practices.

    • Ensure responsible exploration and mining practices that protect potentially affected communities and ecosystems.

        2. Chain of Custody (CoC) 

        The CoC standard defines the requirements for creating a chain of custody for precious metals—such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals—that are responsibly produced, processed, and traded throughout the jewelry and watch supply chain. It is a voluntary standard, with three key objectives:

    • Define a responsible approach for handling and trading precious metals that ensures traceability and sourcing from responsible origins.

    • Provide certification that gives customers and suppliers confidence in how materials have been sourced, traced, and processed—from mine to retail.

    • Create differentiation for companies and stakeholders, adding value to jewelry products and strengthening brand credibility in global markets.

        3. Laboratory Grown Material Standard (LGMS) 

        The LGMS provides a standard for ethical, social, human rights, and environmental practices for companies handling laboratory grown materials within the jewelry and watch supply chain. Comprising 28 provisions, LGMS aims to help companies achieve five main objectives:

    • Improve legal and regulatory compliance, strengthen public reporting, and reinforce commitment to responsible business practices.

    • Increase the use of due diligence to uphold human rights, support community development, fight corruption, and manage sourcing risks.

    • Control and disclose product information appropriately to avoid misleading or deceptive marketing.

    • Protect the health and safety of people and the environment, while using natural resources efficiently.

    • To better comply with international labor conventions and ensure responsible working conditions.

        Beyond setting these standards, RJC also provides guidance, training, and assurance mechanisms to support implementation and verification. This ensures members can effectively integrate responsible practices into their business operations.

        Achieving RJC certification not only raises the industry benchmark—it also serves as a seal of trust for consumers, particularly in high-end and international markets. For businesses, becoming an RJC member is a strategic passport to global competitiveness, enabling them to build stronger value propositions, enhance brand reputation, and meet the expectations of today’s ethically minded consumers.

Budhiphon Vichaidist

The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization)

September 2025