Editor’s Note
The Plumb Club, a leading jewelry industry supplier group, has announced a new mandate requiring all its members to obtain certification from the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). This move underscores the industry’s growing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
The Plumb Club, a supplier organization comprising some of the biggest names in the jewelry industry, is now requiring its members to become certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
At a press conference held in New York City, Plumb Club executive director Lawrence Hess stated that approximately 75% of the group’s members are already RJC members. The remaining companies have been given 90 days to apply for membership.
The RJC certifies that members adhere to responsible business practices through independent audits of their compliance with the council’s Code of Practices. This code establishes comprehensive guidelines for jewelry companies, including retailers, covering ethical, human rights, health, safety, and environmental standards. Members are required to achieve compliance with the code within two years of joining the RJC.
Speaking at the press conference, RJC chairman David Bouffard called the new Plumb Club bylaw an “important milestone” for his organization and expressed hope it would lead to broader industry adoption of the RJC code.
He added that the RJC aims to raise its profile so that retailers and consumers become more aware of the benefits of sourcing from RJC-certified members.
Plumb Club president Michael Lerche said he was proud that his group was the first association to mandate RJC certification for its members and called on other industry groups to follow suit.
Lerche emphasized that the entire industry must elevate its standards.