Responsible Jewellery Council .17 July 2025 20 Stories Of Impact, Dave Meleski

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. Dave Meleski is Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council, and President & CEO of Richline Group.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, what inspired Richline to be part of the RJC and what did you hope to achieve?

INSPIRATION

When Richline Group was established, one of the core pillars of our culture was something we called “Richline Responsible.” It guided how we operated across our supply chain and how we engaged with our employees globally. That commitment aligned seamlessly with the mission of the Responsible Jewellery Council as it began its journey, making it a natural fit for us to get involved from the start.

WHAT WE HOPED TO ACHIEVE

We saw the opportunity to lead by example within our industry. We aimed to build trust and confidence among all our stakeholders—our communities, employees, customers, suppliers, and partners. And we hoped to support the creation of a unified standard that everyone could follow. At the time (and still today), different retailers around the world required various audited processes, which led to inconsistencies and increased audit costs. A single, credible standard was—and remains—a much-needed step forward.

What specific initiatives or projects at Richline have had the most meaningful impact?

• Achieving RJC Certified Membership.
• Implementing annual Responsible Minerals Initiative surveys.
• Investing in technology to ensure responsible diamond procurement upstream in the supply chain.
• Becoming an A/B SEDEX member to support a sustainable and responsible supply chain.
• Funding accredited product testing programs through FTC-approved resources to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity.
• Subscribing to NAVEX to track Scope 1 and Scope 2 environmental initiatives. 
• Establishing a global employee hotline for anonymous reporting of unethical behavior, ensuring a safe and accountable workplace culture.

What are some of the key changes you’ve witnessed in the jewelry industry over the past two decades, and how has Richline adapted to these shifts?

Over the past 20 years, the jewellery industry has undergone significant transformation—especially when it comes to setting and meeting responsible standards. Two decades ago, many believed that achieving this kind of progress was unrealistic. But the growth of RJC’s membership shows what is possible when there is a clear path and shared commitment.

Today, there is a real and widespread dedication to upholding industry and social compliance standards. It is no longer just a conversation—it’s a priority.

At Richline, we’ve stayed true to our “Richline Responsible” commitment. We haven’t just adapted to the changes—we have made it a point to stay ahead of them. Anticipating what’s next and preparing for future standards has been a big part of how we operate.

As Chairman of the RJC, how has being part of this community influenced your approach to sustainability?

Serving as Chairman of the RJC has been an incredibly valuable experience that has shaped the way I approach sustainability—not just within Richline, but across the broader industry.

One of the biggest takeaways has been gaining a deeper understanding of the extensive work behind building RJC’s standards and the scale of applying assurance processes globally. It really highlighted the level of commitment and resources needed to live up to our “Richline Responsible” values and to maintain our position as a global sustainability leader.

It has also been deeply rewarding to connect with leaders from around the world through the RJC Board. Those conversations have broadened my perspective on both the challenges we face and the opportunities we have, to drive meaningful change together.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the jewellery industry, and how do you see RJC’s role in shaping that future?

When I was nominated for the role of Chair, one of my main goals was to expand RJC’s presence—particularly among retailers in the U.S. Looking ahead, I hope we can continue making progress in bringing the RJC message to more retailers, which ultimately is the best conduit to the consumer.

I envision a future where RJC is widely recognised by consumers—a trusted mark that represents the incredible amount of work our industry has put into responsible practices over the past 20 years. That kind of recognition would be a powerful validation of our collective efforts and a major step forward for the jewelry industry as a whole.