Friday, 27th February 2004 (5106 views)

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced that it is adopting a Supplier Code of Conduct in order to improve consumer confidence in the professional jeweller.

The national trade association's board of directors recently approved the document as part of the organisation's long-term commitment to developing social, ethical and environmental responsibility.

The Code of Conduct has been developed by a committee of member jewellers chaired by Terry Burman, CEO of Signet, in conjunction with a team of sustainability specialists from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

'Individual retailers are now held accountable for the practices of suppliers all the way back up the supply chain. This new document addresses consumer concerns over issues such as labour practices - child labour and health and safety regulations - and the environmental impact of minerals extraction associated with jewellery and gemstone production,” said Matthew A Runci, President and Chief Executive Officer of JA.

The Code of Conduct is a response to the public's growing concern about social, ethical and environmental practices within the gem and jewellery industry.

“You can be assured that JA will remain focused on its mission as we explore what more we can do to maintain consumer confidence in JA member jewellers as professionals and in the integrity of the products we bring to the market,” Mr Runci added.

 

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