RJC puts forward Goldstar CEO Michael Lerche for vice chair role
Michael Lerche, chief executive of Goldstar Jewellery and a long-standing industry figure, has been officially nominated for the position of vice chair at the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
The nomination marks the next step in Lerche's five-year tenure on the RJC board, during which he has been an elected director and consistent supporter of the council's mission to raise standards across the global jewellery supply chain.
Lerche first brought Goldstar Jewellery into the RJC in 2014, steering the company towards formal certification and using that process to embed stronger transparency, ethical sourcing and sustainability practices throughout its operations. Since then, he has become known as an outspoken advocate for robust, verifiable standards in areas such as responsible mining, human rights, supply-chain traceability and environmental performance.
Beyond his role at Goldstar, Lerche has also played a prominent part in wider trade organisations. He previously served as president of The Plumb Club, a group of leading suppliers representing all segments of the jewellery, diamond and watch industries. His presidency in 2019 was particularly significant for the RJC: under his leadership, The Plumb Club made RJC certification a mandatory requirement for membership, effectively tying participation in the association to measurable commitments on responsibility and ethics.
Lerche remains closely involved with The Plumb Club, currently holding the position of pavilion chairman. In addition, he is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York, a prestigious organisation that brings together senior professionals from across the jewellery trade. Collectively, these roles reinforce his reputation as a bridge between different parts of the industry - from manufacturing and supply to retail and trade associations.
The nomination comes at a time when the RJC is broadening its mandate and strengthening oversight of global jewellery and watch supply chains. With more brands, retailers and manufacturers facing scrutiny from regulators, investors and consumers, the council's standards on responsible business practices have moved from a niche concern to a central strategic priority.
Lerche brings more than 40 years of experience in the jewellery sector to the proposed vice chair role. Over four decades in the trade, he has overseen manufacturing operations, navigated changes in sourcing expectations, and helped shape how companies respond to evolving consumer demands around ethics, transparency and sustainability. His supporters argue that this combination of operational experience and governance expertise positions him well to help steer the RJC through its next phase of development.
Reflecting on his work with the organisation so far, Lerche said he has "had the privilege of helping to spur the growth and organisation of the RJC," describing it as an institution that "positively impacts the jewelry industry overall by instilling trust, transparency and sustainability, benefitting consumers, communities and the environment."
He added that his decision to stand for vice chair is driven by a desire "to strengthen the organisation and continue to drive the positive trajectory the RJC has been on for the past few years" by joining the executive board in a more hands-on leadership capacity.
What the vice chair role means for the industry
The position of vice chair at the RJC is more than a ceremonial title. The role supports the chair in setting strategic priorities, overseeing implementation of standards, and guiding the council's response to emerging issues such as new regulations, market expectations and technological shifts in traceability.
For retailers and brands, the leadership of the RJC can directly influence how certification evolves, what is expected from members, and how complex topics like due diligence, responsible sourcing and climate-related disclosures are interpreted in practice. A vice chair with extensive commercial experience is often seen as an asset, helping to balance ambitious ethical goals with an understanding of day-to-day business realities.
Lerche's track record suggests he is comfortable with ambitious standards. At The Plumb Club, backing mandatory RJC certification transformed responsible business from an optional extra into a core membership condition. This move sent a strong signal to suppliers and retailers alike that compliance, auditing and verifiable performance would increasingly define who can participate in leading trade groups.
RJC's expanding influence on global supply chains
The RJC has steadily grown from a niche certification body into one of the central reference points for responsible practices across the jewellery and watch sectors. Its code of practices sets out requirements on human rights, labour conditions, anti-money laundering, conflict-affected and high-risk areas, and environmental performance.
As the council broadens its remit, more companies across the value chain - from mines and refiners to manufacturers, brands and retailers - are being drawn into its orbit. This expansion heightens the importance of experienced leadership that understands the diverse pressures faced by different segments, including small and medium-sized businesses that may struggle with the complexity of compliance.
Lerche's background in manufacturing and supply, alongside his engagement with retailers through The Plumb Club and other bodies, has given him insight into how standards are implemented on the ground. Supporters of his nomination believe this experience will be crucial as the RJC adapts to a landscape shaped by tighter due diligence laws, investor expectations on ESG performance, and the growing importance of traceable and responsibly sourced materials.
Why this nomination matters for retailers and brands
For jewellery retailers, especially in mature markets, the nomination underscores a continuing shift: responsible business is no longer a peripheral topic but central to commercial competitiveness. Consumers increasingly want assurance that diamonds and precious metals have been sourced and processed without fuelling conflict, abuse or environmental damage.
Industry leaders like Lerche have been pushing for clear, enforceable frameworks that retailers can rely on when communicating with customers. Strengthened governance at the RJC could lead to more consistent auditing processes, clearer guidance, and improved tools that help businesses integrate responsible practices without undermining profitability.
Brands and suppliers may also benefit from leadership that understands both the marketing value and the operational cost of certification. Lerche's previous work making RJC certification mandatory at The Plumb Club signals a belief that credible third-party verification is not just a reputational shield but a platform for long-term trust and partnership with retailers.
The wider context: trust, transparency and sustainability
Underlying this nomination is a broader shift in how the jewellery sector defines value. Price and design remain crucial, but trust has become a key differentiator. Retailers need confidence in their suppliers; consumers need confidence in retailers. The RJC's role is to provide the framework that supports this trust, and its leadership is expected to ensure the framework remains robust, relevant and globally credible.
Lerche has consistently framed his work around three core themes: transparency, sustainability and trust. By focusing on documented supply chains, independently verified practices and continuous improvement, he has argued that the industry can protect communities in mining regions, reduce environmental harm and strengthen the long-term appeal of jewellery as a meaningful and responsible purchase.
Looking ahead: potential priorities under Lerche's vice chairmanship
If elected vice chair, observers expect Lerche to champion several key priorities within the RJC:
- Deeper integration of responsible practices into supplier-retailer relationships, making certification a standard expectation rather than an exception.
- Clearer communication of RJC standards in language that business owners and consumers can easily understand.
- Support for companies, particularly smaller manufacturers and retailers, in navigating the practical steps needed for certification and recertification.
- Ongoing emphasis on measurable sustainability goals, including environmental impact, climate considerations and community development in mining areas.
- Strengthening cooperation between the RJC and leading trade associations to align expectations across the industry.
Whatever the outcome of the election, Lerche's nomination underlines how central the RJC has become to the modern jewellery landscape. The organisation's leadership choices are now closely watched not only by suppliers and retailers, but also by investors, NGOs and consumers who see responsible sourcing as a non-negotiable element of doing business in the sector.
With four decades of experience and a record of pushing for higher standards, Lerche's bid for the vice chair role highlights a broader message: the future of the jewellery industry will be shaped not just by design and craftsmanship, but by the credibility of its ethical and sustainability commitments.
