BV Schmuck & Uhren (BVSU) has become the first German jewellery trade association to become a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). The association, which was founded in 1947 and represents nearly 170 medium sized companies at the national, European and international levels, announced its decision at the recently concluded Inhorgenta Much show.

RJC said the body has pledged to meet the RJC’s standards and, by joining as a Trade Association member, will act as a conduit to its members and the German jewellery industry to promote and encourage implementation of RJC membership and certification.

The RJC, which has more than 1,100 members globally, including 14 other trade associations in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has been keen to work with a renowned German jewellery industry association in a bid to further embed the importance and relevancy of RJC certification in one of Europe’s key jewellery markets.

Guido Grohmann, Managing Director at BV Schmuck & Uhren, said “We are delighted to become a member of the RJC. Many organisations we work with have already been certified and our goal for the future is to promote RJC’s Code of Practices to better support our members.”

Edward Johnson, Director, Business Development at RJC, said “We’re delighted to announce BV Schmuck & Uhren as a Trade Association member – a move which marks another significant step forward in RJC’s tireless efforts in working with the jewellery industry to promote responsible business practices.”

BVSU is a member of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). It is responsible for coordinating the Federal Associations of the German Jewellery and Silverware Industry. In this capacity it is also integrated in global efforts of the World Jewellery Confederation, CIBJO. BVSU represents the interests of the German watch and clock industry at a European level as a member of the European watchmaking associations EUROTempus and CPHE.