Kering and Watches of Switzerland Quit RJC in Protest over Ukraine
April 06, 22
(IDEX Online) - The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has suffered further backlash over its refusal to cut ties with Russia.
Kering, French owner of Boucheron (pictured), Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent, has left the the London-based watchdog over its "inability to face the current situation in Europe" in a manner consistent with its values.
Bulgari's jewelry boss Mauro di Roberto has resigned from the RJC, although the Italian luxury group, owned by LVMH, will remain a member for the time being.
And the British-based Watches of Switzerland Group said it was resigning its membership because the RJC's approach "goes against the common values we expect from our industry".
Last week Richemont, the Swiss-based company that counts Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaeger-leCoultre and Piaget among its 26 maisons, said: "If RJC cannot uphold highest of standards, then we cannot be part of that. That's why we stepped down."
And Pandora, the Danish charm maker, quit the RJC after 12 years, citing its failure to suspend the membership of Russian companies.
The RJC's own executive director Iris Van der Veken resigned in frustration that the miner - a third owned by the Russian government - had been allowed to remain as a member.
Alrosa subsequently suspended its membership of the RJC, citing "the current unprecedented realities".
It stood down as vice chair of the RJC shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, but did not suspend its membership.
We have approached the RJC for comment.