The Responsible Jewellery Council is temporarily suspending the finalization of its draft of diamond chain-of-custody certification to seek more consultation, the organization announced.

The RJC expects to issue the gold and platinum group metals–related chain-of-custody standard in early in 2012 and the first certifications against the standard are expected in the second quarter of 2012.

A subcommittee of the RJC standards committee—consisting of members from all sectors of the diamond jewelry supply chain—has been formed with the objective of consulting further with companies and trade associations in the diamond sector in an effort to resolve some concerns raised by the diamond industry. The organization expects to finalize the standard for diamonds once the subcommittee has completed its consultations and made its recommendations.

JCK