When we started our RJC recertification process, it wasn't about ticking a compliance box. It was about proving, once again, that the standards we've held since 1947 still mean something in 2025.
We've seen every kind of market pressure imaginable over nearly eight decades. Economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, and clients looking for faster turnaround or lower costs. What hasn't changed is our refusal to compromise on how we source materials and treat our people. That's what RJC recertification actually tests.
What's Different About Recertification?
The RJC Code of Practices isn't static. Since initial certification, the standards have evolved significantly, with substantial new requirements around greenhouse gas emissions reporting, diversity and inclusion commitments, and strengthened supply chain due diligence for conflict-affected areas. There's expanded scrutiny of grievance mechanisms for workers and more rigorous claims verification to prevent greenwashing.
The audit process itself has become more sophisticated. Auditors aren't just checking boxes anymore: they're verifying that documented systems match what actually happens on the floor every single day. They review energy data, supplier vetting processes, and training records. That kind of alignment doesn't happen by accident. It's built into how we operate.
Why Recertification Matters More Than Initial Certification
Anyone can look good for their first audit. There's extra motivation, perhaps a bit more polish - but recertification examines whether those standards stuck when nobody was watching.
For us, that means demonstrating continuous monitoring across 45 provision areas, annual management reviews with documented corrective actions, and progressive improvement in areas like energy efficiency and waste reduction. It means proving that our supply chain due diligence isn't a one-time mapping exercise: every gram of material needs documentation that traces back to source, and every supplier relationship involves ongoing risk assessment.
It's technically demanding work, and that's exactly the point.
What This Actually Means for Our Customers
We don't talk about RJC certification because it makes good marketing copy. We talk about it because it directly affects the work we do for you.
When you choose with Weston Beamor, RJC recertification translates into tangible benefits. We can document the provenance of materials because we're required to maintain those systems. If you need to verify sourcing for your own compliance requirements, we have the data. Our supplier vetting processes align with OECD Due Diligence Guidance, which protects both of us from reputational and legal risks associated with conflict minerals or labour violations.
The management systems we maintain for RJC compliance create standardised processes that improve quality control and turnaround times. And as regulations around ESG reporting and supply chain transparency tighten globally, working with certified partners reduces your compliance burden. Clients don't just buy manufacturing capability. They buy peace of mind, and recertification is how we prove that trust isn't just earned once, it's maintained.
The Difference Between a Certificate and a Commitment
We've been in this industry long enough to see companies appear with impressive claims and disappear just as quickly. We've weathered economic storms, industry shifts, and changing client expectations through it all.
What distinguishes a certified partner from one that simply talks about standards? Independent verification matters. Our recertification isn't self-assessed or self-reported. It's conducted by accredited third-party auditors who have no stake in whether we pass or fail. The audit covers all facilities we own or control that contribute to our jewellery supply chain operations - there's no cherry-picking which sites get examined.
Our certification status, scope, and audit results are published on the RJC website. That level of transparency keeps us honest. Between audits, we maintain the same systems, conduct the same monitoring, and apply the same standards. The certificate reflects how we work, not how we performed during a visit.
What people don't always realise is that maintaining these systems is more work than getting certified initially. We conduct internal reviews throughout the year, monitor changes in standards, and update procedures when we identify improvement opportunities. The certification validates all that work, it doesn't create it.
Looking Forward
As we complete this recertification cycle, we're already thinking about what comes next. The standards will continue to evolve - climate reporting requirements will become more stringent, supply chain transparency expectations will increase, and new social responsibility frameworks will emerge.
And we'll adapt, as we have for nearly eight decades. Because that's what it means to be a long-term partner in this industry. Not just meeting today's standards, but anticipating tomorrow's requirements and building them into how we work today.
In 1947, "responsible manufacturing" meant something very different. But the core principle hasn't changed: do right by your materials, your people, and your partners. RJC recertification is simply how we demonstrate that principle in measurable, verifiable ways.
Let's Talk
Want to know more about what our RJC certification covers or how it impacts your projects? Contact us to discuss the specific standards and systems that support your work.
Weston Beamor has been casting precious metals since 1947. Working with a broad spectrum of customers for nearly 80 years has made Weston Beamor one of the most respected and trusted names in the jewellery industry.
