Luxury goods conglomerate Richemont has withdrawn from the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) due to the council’s failure to sever ties with Russia. The decision was made by Richemont’s chief financial officer, Burkhart Grund, who clarified that the withdrawal was not meant as a statement but to uphold the high standards that the company has maintained for the past 15 years. Grund stated that if the RJC cannot maintain the highest standards, then Richemont cannot be associated with it.
This move has prompted other companies, such as jewellery maker Pandora, to also end their association with the RJC. As the RJC is responsible for setting ethical standards in the jewellery and watch industry, these companies’ withdrawal reflects their commitment to maintaining ethical practices.
In addition to leaving the RJC, Richemont has taken further actions to ensure the integrity of its supply chain. This includes suspending e-commerce activities in Russia and ceasing to source diamonds from the country since February 24th. By taking these steps, Richemont is demonstrating its dedication to upholding ethical standards and reassuring consumers about the integrity of its products.
As a result of this decision, Richemont is now exploring alternative methods for certification to provide consumers with confidence in the ethical sourcing of its products. This shows that the company is actively working to address the issue and maintain its commitment to meeting the highest standards.
Useful Links:
– [Responsible Jewellery Council](https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/) (RJC)
– [Richemont](https://www.richemont.com/)
