Jewelers of America has revised its member guidance documents on both conflict diamonds and responsible gold.
The new materials provide the latest information on each issue, encourage store owners to keep themselves and their staff up-to-date on how each can impact their business, and offer talking points to assist retailers in addressing various stakeholders.
Jewelers of America sent out the materials to members in two separate packets. Both feature “What You Need to Know” and “What You Need to Do” documents, which include simple bullet points on key information, and separate “Talking Points” to help jewelers answer questions from consumers, the press, or human rights groups.
“As consumers become increasingly concerned about where their products come from, professional jewelers must stay informed so that they can assure customers that the jewelry they buy—often meant as a symbol of love—is not tainted by practices that are harmful to individuals or the environment,” says Matthew A. Runci, President and CEO of Jewelers of America.
The responsible gold member guidance, in addition to the basic information and talking points, includes a “Responsible Gold Sample Policy Statement” that members can cut and paste onto their own letterheads and give to consumers, display in-store or post to their websites. The statement outlines members’ commitments to a responsible gold supply chain.
The conflict diamonds member guidance also includes: a “Conflict Diamonds Self-Assessment Checklist” to help retailers quickly assess their adherence to the SoW; the association’s sample letter to suppliers to help members communicate to suppliers about their obligations to the KP; and a “Sample Conflict Diamonds Policy Statement,” which they can cut and paste onto their own letterheads and give to consumers, display in-store or post to their websites.
Jewelers of America members can access the updated documents by logging into the Members-Only section of its website, www.jewelers.org.
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