GIA’s Edward Johnson joins the RJC

Edward Johnson has been appointed to the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) as director of business development.He will be responsible for expanding its expertise and driving growth for the organisation, strengthening its influence and reputation across the jewellery industry.

Johnson joins the team at the 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.

Prior to his time with 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.

At the RJC, Johnson 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.

Johnson will also be 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.

Johnson said: “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.”

Johnson will be working to develop the RJC globally, focusing particularly on Greater China, India and the USA.