Editor’s Note
This article highlights key areas within the jewellery industry—such as product disclosure, terminology, and ethical representations—where clearer standards are needed to protect businesses and consumers alike. Standardization can reduce confusion, support reputable traders, and build greater trust in the market.
Are there areas of the jewellery industry where you believe further standardisation is needed to protect both businesses and consumers?
Yes. Areas including product disclosure, terminology, repair practices, valuations and ethical representations continue to require clearer and more consistent standards. Standardisation of these areas will help reduce confusion, protects reputable businesses, as well as building consumer confidence. Additionally, the JAA supports alignment with international industry best practice while ensuring standards remain practical for Australian businesses.
The needs of jewellers have shifted significantly in recent years. What types of support or guidance are most commonly sought from JAA members today?
Members are increasingly seeking guidance on regulatory compliance, disclosure obligations, pricing transparency, staffing challenges, and managing changing consumer expectations. There is also strong demand for practical resources that help businesses navigate complexity, particularly in areas where legal, ethical, and commercial considerations intersect.
What trends are you seeing in consumer jewellery buying behaviour and how should retailers respond?
Consumers are more informed, value-conscious and research-driven. They expect clear transparency, authenticity and confidence in what they are purchasing. Retailers should respond by investing in staff education, communicating clearly about materials and pricing, and focusing on trust based relationships. Experience and credibility now matter as much as product.
How has the rise of lab-grown diamonds affected the Australian jewellery landscape and what guidance does the JAA offer on disclosure and consumer communication?
The JAA regularly engages with government, regulators and industry bodies. What advocacy priorities are you currently focused on?
Current advocacy priorities include regulatory reform affecting the jewellery trade, upcoming AML/CTF obligations, skills and workforce issues and reducing unnecessary regulatory burden on small businesses. Our focus is on ensuring that policy outcomes are proportionate, workable and informed by real-world industry experience. This includes collaborating with other industry bodies that support the wider trade and consumers.