The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has appointed Edward Johnson as Director of Business Development as the organisation seeks to expand its expertise and drive growth, strengthening its influence and reputation across the jewellery industry.

RJC said in a statement that Johnson joins RJC from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) where he worked to establish GIA’s presence in the UK and further expand it across Europe from 2015 as Director of Business Development. It added that he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role at the RJC.

Prior to joining GIA, Johnson, a Graduate Gemologist, ran an independent jewellery appraisal company and served as a consultant gemmologist to the Hong Kong Jade and Stone Laboratory. He continues to take a close interest in the ethics and integrity of the jewellery trade, RJC said.

In his new role at the RJC, Johnson will be working to develop the organisation globally, focusing particularly on Greater China, India and the USA. He will be reporting directly to the Executive Director, Andrew Bone, and will be focusing his efforts around developing strategies to drive membership engagement and strengthen the RJC’s relationships with key stakeholders. His role will be integral to evaluating new opportunities for growth and expansion into niche markets and working to reinforce the RJC’s core values and vision for a responsible worldwide supply chain that promotes trust in the global fine jewellery and watch industry.  

Joining the RJC, Edward commented “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at the RJC and look forward to progressing their vision of an industry wide accreditation. The work of the RJC proposes a set of unique challenges, but also an exciting prospect of growth and opportunity to promote the industry’s strong determination to deliver confidence to its consumers and uphold sustainable practices.”

Andrew Bone, Executive Director of RJC said “We are delighted to welcome Edward to the team at the RJC and look forward to working with him on furthering our influence as a respected membership and standards setting organisation for the fine jewellery and watch supply chain. His extended experience in the industry and sustained commitment to upholding the values shared by all our members, make him the ideal representative for the RJC.”