Frères certification follows a verification assessment conducted by audit firm STR which found that the company meets all of RJC’s ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards.
Congratulating Frères, RJC chairman Matt Runci said the certification was animportant milestone that builds on “five years of sustained effort by the RJC’s members to create the independent third party RC Member Certification System applicable from mine to retail”.
“RJC Certified Members have the benefit of recognition against an international certification system, supporting their own reputations and enhancing consumer confidence in the jewellery supply chain more generally,” he said.
“Many RJC Members have commenced the process towards Certification and we look forward to announcing their achievements over the coming months.”
Founded in 1835, Gay Frères employs 300 people and produces around 1000 jewellery pieces a day.
Gay Frères director Claude Schlepped said the company was proud to be the first RJC Member to achieve “this important certification”.
“We encourage others within the industry to follow suit so that they too can evidence responsible business practices. We are committed to improving industry standards and to supporting the RJC’s mission.”