RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL CERTIFIES RALPH LAUREN WATCH & JEWELRY CO.

rjcLONDON – The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) announced today that Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co., a joint venture between Ralph Lauren Corporation and Richemont Group, has achieved certification by meeting the highest ethical, social and environmental standards established by the RJC’s Member Certification system.

“RJC warmly congratulates Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. on its certification. The successful verification assessment was conducted by Michel Mooser from SGS, one of the independent third-party auditing firms accredited to the RJC’s Member Certification system,” says Michael Rae, RJC’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The RJC certification represents an important accomplishment for Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. This certification gives assurance that we are upholders of the highest standards and that the origin of our raw materials is carefully and comprehensively documented. As a member of the RJC we are committed to promoting ethical human rights, social and environment practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the industry from mine to retail, and to strengthen and protect the reputation and the integrity of the jewelry industry,” says Callum Barton, Chairman of Ralph Lauren
Watch & Jewelry Co.

About RJC
The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit organisation bringing together more than 420 member companies. RJC and its Members are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewellery industry from mine to retail. This commitment aims to reinforce consumer and stakeholder confidence in diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery products. The RJC has developed the RJC Member Certification system which applies to all Members’ businesses that contribute to the diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery supply chain. All Certified Members of the RJC are audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices. A voluntary Chain-of-Custody Standard has also been developed for gold and platinum group metals.
The RJC is a Full Member of the ISEAL Alliance – the global association for sustainability standards. For more information on RJC Members, Certification, and Standards please visit www.responsiblejewellery.com

The Responsible Jewellery Council is the trading name of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices Ltd. The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices Ltd, First Floor, Dudley House, 34-38 Southampton Street, London, UK, WC2E 7HF. The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 05449042.

About Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co.
Ralph Lauren Corporation and Richemont, two leading companies in the global luxury market, announced in 2008 the formation of Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry S.A.R.L, based in Geneva, Switzerland. In this unique partnership, Ralph Lauren Corporation and Richemont formed a joint-venture with the objective to design, develop, manufacture and distribute luxury watches and fine jewellery, through select Ralph Lauren boutiques and the finest independent luxury retailers.

Ralph Lauren Watches premiered in 2009 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie three iconic timepieces collections: the Ralph Lauren Stirrup, the Ralph Lauren Slim Classique and the Ralph Lauren Sporting. Today Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. is present in 25 countries and in major cities around the world including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.