The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading sustainability standard-setting organisation for the Jewellery and Watch industry, today sees Melanie Grant step down as executive director after two years in the job. She will, however, stay on as a consultant to support John Hall, who becomes interim Executive Director while the RJC recruits for the position. John Hall has been with the RJC since its inception in 2005.
A celebrated writer and curator, Grant brought more than 20 years in the watch and jewellery industry’s biggest and most influential media outlets to the executive director role. This expertise positively impacted the RJC with membership increases globally to 2,000 this first quarter, a successful review of the COP and COC and the introduction of the new Lab Grown Materials standard.
Melanie Grant, shares, “After a wonderful two years at the RJC working with the team, welcoming members from new countries, completing a huge amount of consultation on the new standards and finalising the new Lab Grown Material standard it is time for me to hand the baton to someone new who will take the RJC into its next era. We will celebrate our 20th anniversary this year and we have hit 2,000 members. I have learnt so much from doing this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important industry institution.”
Dave Meleski, President & CEO states, “It is with mixed emotions that we announce Mel’s transition from her role at the RJC. While I am sorry for her to step down, I am thankful for all that she has accomplished in her two years as Executive Director of the organisation and how she has transformed it positively into a much better place today than when she arrived. The ability for transition is greatly enhanced by both what she has done with the RJC, but also her willingness to help in transitioning to a new Executive Director. It has been my pleasure working with Mel this past year in my role as Chair of the Board.”
Founded in 2005 by 14 major industry organisations, RJC certifications today through its Code of Practices and Chain of Custody standards now cover more than half of the world’s jewellery market. As Ms Grant leaves, the RJC looks to the future and the next chapter to successfully take the RJC into a new era and continue to deliver on the RJC’s mission of continuous improvement in the integrity of the global jewellery and watch supply chain.
Offical Facebook account of heerazhaveraat.com, homepage for Trade News, Articles and Promotion of D
Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair is back with its 14th edition of North India’s iconic B2B jewellery expo! 💎
📅 26–28 September 2026
📍 Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Connect, discover and explore new opportunities across the jewellery industry.
Heera Zhaveraat (HZ International) A Diamond, Watch and Jewellery Trade Promotion Magazine provide dealers and manufactures with the key analytical information they need to succeed in the luxury industry. Pricing, availability and market information in the Magazine provides a critical edge.
