In a recent episode of the Rapaport Diamond Podcast, Melanie Grant, the executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), disclosed a significant organizational change that grants the council the authority to remove members – a capability that was notably absent during the Alrosa controversy that unfolded last year.
Grant elaborated on this development, stating, “If members engage in behavior that tarnishes our reputation, we now possess the prerogative to collectively vote within the board and subsequently expel them. Previously, our operational framework lacked this necessary mechanism, which became evident during the Alrosa situation. Thus, we undertook a comprehensive revision of our articles and membership agreement to address this deficiency.”
The absence of the RJC’s ability to dissociate itself from Alrosa amidst the commencement of Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine resulted in the departure of several prominent members, most notably Cartier and Pandora, as well as the jewelry brands under Kering. Notably, Alrosa, a prominent diamond miner with a 33% ownership stake held by Russia, ultimately opted to suspend its own membership.
Of the entities that withdrew their membership, approximately “11” have not reinstated their involvement with the RJC, according to Grant. Expressing her willingness to engage in dialogue with these entities, she conveyed her aspiration to facilitate discussions regarding the organization’s evolution and explore prospective avenues of collaboration.
During the podcast, which featured Melanie Grant in conversation with Sonia Esther Soltani, Rapaport’s Editor in Chief, and News Editor Joshua Freedman, a myriad of topics were explored. These encompassed Grant’s initial six months at the helm of the RJC, recent developments within the council, and insights into her personal pursuits during her limited leisure time.
Among the RJC’s ongoing initiatives is the formulation of a standard tailored specifically for lab-grown diamonds. Grant envisions the completion of this endeavor by the upcoming year, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering ethical practices and transparency within the jewelry industry.
