The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) celebrated its 20th anniversary on 4 July 2025 by burying a symbolic time capsule at the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. This landmark event highlighted the RJC’s leadership in promoting sustainability, ethical sourcing, and responsibility throughout the jewellery and watch industry.

Symbolic Time Capsule Marks Two Decades of Progress

The time capsule contains meaningful artefacts, messages, and documents from RJC members, board directors, and staff. It honours the organisation’s journey since 2005 and symbolizes its continued efforts toward responsible business practices.

Dan James, Development Director of the Eden Project, said:

“Burying a time capsule at Eden is a powerful way to reflect on 20 years of progress in responsible practices and to inspire future action in the jewellery and watch industry.”

A Shared Legacy Between RJC and Eden Project

The Eden Project’s Core building opened in 2005, the same year RJC was founded. Its distinctive copper roof was sourced from Rio Tinto’s Kennecott mine, representing responsible mining.

The site already holds a historic time capsule buried by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 during the Core’s official inauguration, which makes the RJC’s capsule even more meaningful.

Leadership Reflects on the Future

John Hall, Interim Executive Director of the RJC, highlighted the importance of this milestone:

“This time capsule serves as a reminder of our journey, the challenges we have faced, and the progress we continue to make toward ensuring a responsible and sustainable future for the jewellery industry.”

RJC’s Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability

The RJC continues its mission through:

• Over 2,000 member organisations across 74 countries
• Key certifications: Code of Practices (COP), Chain of Custody (COC), and Lab-Grown Materials Standard (LGMS)
• A new Strategic Taskforce for shaping its future direction

Why This Celebration Matters

• Public Commitment: Highlights RJC’s leadership in responsible sourcing.
• Heritage & Sustainability: Connects the jewellery industry with a renowned environmental site.
• Inspiration for the Future: Encourages industry-wide sustainability actions.

By burying a time capsule at the Eden Project, the Responsible Jewellery Council not only celebrated its 20th anniversary but also reaffirmed its dedication to building a sustainable and transparent future for the jewellery and watch industries worldwide.

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