Gemstones from Myanmar/Burma
Signet takes supply chain issues seriously and the events in Myanmar/Burma are very disturbing.
Signet's vision and commitments are expressed in the Social, Ethical & Environmental Principles. Signet has been working for many years on issues that are of concern to the entire industry, and has joined other organizations to drive positive change throughout the supply chain. For example, Signet is a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and the World Diamond Council (WDC), and, in the United States, a member of Jewelers of America (JA) and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC).
Given Signet’s deep concern about the unrest in Myanmar/Burma, and its military government’s human rights violations, begining October 12, 2007 all suppliers are required to not knowingly sell Signet any gemstones of Burmese origin. Signet also issued instructions to its suppliers in both the US and UK, requiring that they confirm on all future orders placed that the gemstones provided were not knowingly mined in Myanmar/Burma.
In addition, in both the US and UK Signet has implemented a independent, third-party country-of-origin quality assurance random testing programs of its ruby jewellery in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s largest and most respected non-profit institute of gemological research and learning.
The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 was approved unanimously by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush in July 2008. It went into effect on September 27, 2008 and enforcement of the law’s requirements began on October 27, 2008 following a 30-day grace period granted by the US Customs and Border Protection agency.
It outlaws the importation of Burmese-origin rubies and jade into the US. It does not cover other types of precious gemstones produced by Burma, nor does it forbid the sale of Burmese-origin gems legally imported to the US under prior rules.
Since Signet is not a direct importer of rubies, Signet has received written confirmation from the suppliers to its US business that they are taking the legally required steps to comply to the JADE Act. Signet has also maintained its independent, third-party, country-of-origin testing of rubies that are provided by its suppliers.
October 2009