Two Major Trade Bodies Sign Partnership Deal

RAPAPORT... The World Diamond Council (WDC) and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) have agreed to work together on key issues such as the Kimberley Process (KP), conflict diamonds and sustainability.The two organizations have entered into a cross-membership partnership, meaning the RJC has become a member of the WDC, and the WDC has become a member of the RJC, they said Tuesday. The groups have also signed mutual codes of conduct.An RJC official will join the WDC's Kimberley Process (KP) Task Force and participate in discussions about matters including the expansion of the KP's definition of conflict diamonds, principles for responsible diamond sourcing, and the worldwide adoption of the WDC's System of Warranties. Meanwhile, a WDC official will become part of an RJC task force that focuses on ensuring the jewelry and watch industry achieves the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both appointments will take effect immediately.The WDC and the RJC will report to their members on progress with the System of Warranties and the SDGs, and will help people in the industry apply them into their own businesses."Cooperation at this level is critical to raising the level of knowledge about responsible sourcing, driving action, and having a positive impact on all businesses, small and large, at every level of the diamond supply chain," said Elodie Daguzan, the WDC's executive director. "Through this partnership, we can do more to increase understanding of the [Kimberley Process Certification Scheme] and present a united industry front dedicated to broadening its scope through the expansion of the definition of conflict diamonds."Image: Rough diamonds. (Shutterstock)