INTERVIEWS
As part of our 20 Stories of Impact series, we’re speaking with RJC members, stakeholders, and pioneers who’ve shaped our journey over the past two decades, exploring sustainability, industry trends, the future of jewellery, and more. Colleen Rooney joined Signet in September 2019 and serves as the Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer. Colleen oversees corporate reputation, communications for internal and external stakeholders, engagement with jewellery and retail industry partners, and the intersection of Signet’s business strategy and Corporate Sustainability Goals. She brings more than 25 years of experience, including influential communication positions with highly respected global companies.
As a founding member of the RJC, it’s clear that sustainable practices and a commitment to progress and purpose are in our DNA as a company. Signet requires all suppliers to join the RJC and to be certified by the RJC’s accredited third-party audits. Our policy to purchase from RJC members is a key component of our responsible sourcing programme. What inspired us to be part of the RJC from the beginning and what we hope to achieve are one and the same – it’s all about customer trust. For us, trust is at the heart of everything we do. Our customers come to us to celebrate life’s most precious moments and we take the trust they place in our brands very seriously. The RJC works to increase trust in the industry and to promote ethical business practices and we know that together we can create a better, more sustainable industry of the future.
We celebrate our contribution to the circular economy as jewellery is inherently sustainable. Precious metals are remelted and repurposed while diamonds and gemstones are repurposed into new jewellery. There is no other industry that can make that claim. We can sincerely say we work in a sustainable industry.
As a founding member of the RJC, Signet has been a champion since its inception. The impact I am most proud of is our contribution to fostering and securing the reputation of the entire industry. I sleep well at night knowing that jewellery we sell at our brands is purchased from RJC member suppliers.
I am also so proud the jewellery industry has employed hundreds of thousands of professionals over the years who have been able to learn a trade and contribute to the creation of exquisite jewellery sold all over the world – pieces that will be passed down in families for generations.
One thing I find really interesting right now is the juxtaposition of traceability through blockchain technology and the idea of storytelling as an inspirational part of what we all do. The traceability aspect is powered by science and technology. That technology then enables us to tell the story of where it was formed in the earth and the hands that shaped and polished the stone into a cherished object. We look forward to telling the story of both the diamonds and the people who work with them. It’s such a cool time for the industry right now.
We all have a tremendous opportunity to work together to make a huge impact. That could take on so many different forms, but right now the adoption of renewable energy and more sustainable business practices overall are top of mind for all of us. It’s incredible what we can accomplish as an industry if we commit to co-operation, innovation and creativity. Here’s to another 20!
