We’re excited that 2026 marks the beginning of the term of the newly updated Standards Committee. This new term represents an important next step in RJC’s standards governance, and we look forward to supporting the Committee as it begins its work. We’re pleased to announce the appointment of new Industry and Non-Industry members, including two new Co-Chairs to its Standards Committee. Sara Yood is the new Non-Industry Co-Chair (expert in legal and regulatory topics) and Eduard Stefanescu the new Industry Co-Chair (representing the refiner forum as Sustainability Manager of C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG). The new Committee Members will bring a diverse level of knowledge and input from across the watch and jewellery supply chain, as well as topic specific expertise such as gender, consumer protection, policy and more.
Sara Yood, Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
Sara Yood is a recognised authority in jewellery industry regulations, responsible business conduct, and consumer protection. As President & CEO of JVC, she leads the organisation’s work on legal guidance, compliance, and integrity in the U.S. jewellery market. Her expertise strengthens RJC’s commitment to alignment with international laws, due diligence frameworks, and high ethical standards.
“As I step into the co-chair role, in which I serve in my personal capacity, I am looking forward to continuing the complicated but rewarding work of updating and maintaining the various RJC standards. Not everyone would be excited to review and revise such a dense text, but I find the process invigorating. We know that the nuance of the text is vitally important to the businesses that rely on it, but many may not fully grasp just how many hands it passes through before approval. Serving as one of those layers is a challenging yet gratifying exercise.”
Eduard Stefanescu, C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG
Eduard Stefanescu is an industry leader in precious metals innovation and circularity. As Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER, he oversees international operations in refining, recycling, and supply-chain integrity. A Geoscientist by profession, his technical and sustainability expertise supports the Standards Committee’s mission to advance responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Also Chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and Chair of the German Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Working Committee.
“Little did I know that joining the Standards Committee as a guest would lead to becoming Co-Chair. The experience exceeded my expectations in terms of mutual respect and teamwork among diverse stakeholders from different sectors, collaborating to shape standards that drive progress across the industry.
Let me say, it is truly a remarkable industry – multifaceted and showcasing unique character. As the initiative representing the global jewellery and watch industry, RJC carries both a responsibility and an opportunity to address global challenges through standards that promote human and labour rights, environmental protection, and transparency in supply chains. My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, transparency, and responsible supply chains— while encouraging collaboration and constructive dialogue across the industry.”
Marcin Piersiak
“Artisanal and small-scale gold and gemstone mining employs over 20 million people worldwide. Engaging with this sector is a key responsibility for the jewelry industry. The revised RJC standards now provide the framework for this engagement, but turning principles into action requires commitment from RJC members. In this new phase for the Standards Committee, I look forward to strategies that drive RJC’s impact on the ground with ASM. With leading jewelry companies and raw material suppliers at the table, we have a unique opportunity to significantly move the needle.”
Kessa Trowell
“As well as the opportunity to bring a major retailer’s perspective to the RJC’s standard-setting process, I am excited to collaborate with – and learn from – diverse voices across the watch and jewellery industry. I look forward to helping shape practical, forward-looking solutions that drive improvement, build trust and strengthen the integrity of our industry as a whole.“
Alexander Gul
“What I’m most looking forward to is helping bridge the gap between high-level standards and the realities of how our industry actually operates. Entering my second year on the Standards Committee, I value the opportunity to continue bringing a practical and forward-thinking perspective shaped by my work across the global jewellery value chain. Our company has been part of the RJC community since 2013, and I’m genuinely motivated to help shape standards that are not only responsible but workable, meaningful and future ready. This feels like the right moment to contribute to something that can truly move the industry forward.“
Ainsley Butler
“A highlight of my time on the RJC Standards Committee has been the depth of engagement of the committee members. Our work has benefited enormously from constructive debate, diverse technical insight, and the shared commitment to continuously improve the relevance and clarity of the RJC standards. Serving as Joint Chair has given me a unique vantage point to witness the evolution of the RJC—both in the maturity of its standards framework and in the ever-stronger uptake of certification by members. The growing demand for RJC certification is a testament to the credibility, market relevance, and collective effort invested in this work. My advice to those who are joining the committee is to participate fully and without hesitation. The committee is at its best when members contribute openly, question assumptions, and bring forward their unique experience. The committee succeeds because of its diversity of expertise, so don’t underestimate the value of your perspective. Big thank you to Sue and the RJC team for their collaboration and focus on continuous improvement!”
Antonio Serra
“I look forward to contributing a strong consumer perspective to the RJC Standards Committee. This is an important opportunity to help ensure that responsible business practices across the jewellery supply chain reflect not only industry expertise but also the expectations and rights of consumers. I am eager to collaborate with colleagues, strengthen transparency, and support standards that build trust, sustainability, and integrity throughout the sector.”
Jennifer Hillard
“Working on standards for a single industry has been a fascinating and rewarding experience for me as a consumer representative. My greatest interest has been the way in which the requirements of the RJC standards have been communicated to ensure that they can be applied throughout the supply chain in a way that is clear and not misleading. This is necessary for the final claim to the retail consumer is reflective of the actual impacts and activities of the sector. I have appreciated working with a committee where all members appear to share this concern. I will miss the team spirit and wish the new committee the same level of cooperation.”
Full list of Standards Committee:
Joint-Chair (Industry): Eduard Stefanescu (C.Hafner GmbH + co. KG)
Joint-Chair (Non-Industry): Sara Yood (Jewelers Vigilance Committee, JVC)
Industry Members
Alexander Gul (A. Gul KG)
Alethea Inns (Geological Science International)
Ben Ronca (Leach Garner)
Charlene Nemson (Hermes)
Donald Bray (Fura Gems)
Marie-Charlotte Drusene Chancogne (Chanel)
Melanie Mater (De Beers Group)
Noora Jamsheer (Danat)
Phillipe Telouk (SAAMP)
Raluca Anghel (Natural Diamond Council)
Silvia Bezzone (Bvlgari Group and LVMH Italia)
Valerie Michel (Rosy Blue)
Wafa Jaffery (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, DMCC)
Non-Industry
Abbi Buxton (Independent Consultant)
Antonino Serra Cambaceres (International Consumer Protection Expert)
Chris Vandome (Chatham House)
Maggie Gabos (Responsible Minerals Initiative)
Marcin Piersiak (Alliance for Responsible Mining, ARM)
Monica Barcellos Harris (Conservation International)
Professor Gavin Hilson (Surrey Business School)
Renata Lawton Misra (Carbon Trust)
Laurent Massi – Independent Consultant
Guests of the Committee
Francesco Giunta
Kesah Trowell
Kim Wenzel
Laure Williams
Marco Quadri