Corporate Responsibility
Ben Bridge was established in 1912 with a commitment to you and fine jewelry. Each year we contribute over $600,000 to non-profit ventures in and around the communities that we do business because we care about people and the communities in which we live and work. We also care deeply about the merchandise we carry and the reputable practices of the industry in which we do business.
What is a conflict diamond?
Conflict Diamonds are un-cut or rough diamonds that have been used by rebel movements or their allies to finance “conflict” aimed at undermining legitimate governments. The proportion of conflict diamond has always been very small and has been shrinking dramatically in recent years because of a variety of factors ---including cease-fires in the Sierra Leone and Angola regions as well as reforms and new practices adopted by the diamond industry.
Customers can be confident that comprehensive measures have been taken to assure that the diamonds that we sell are “conflict” free. Since 2000, Ben Bridge has required vendors to sign an agreement pledging that they will not knowingly buy or sell “conflict” diamonds. Beginning in 2003, we took that requirement a step farther as supporters of the Kimberley Process and the System of Warranties, an industry program of self-regulation.
The Kimberley Process
Today, 80 governments have adopted a system to control the export and import of rough diamonds mined from 2003 onward. Known as the Kimberley Process, it requires that each shipment of rough diamonds –before cutting and polishing – be placed in a tamper-resistant container and accompanied by a government-validated certificate. Each certificate is uniquely numbered and contains data describing the shipment’s contents.
Participating countries have pledged to impound shipments of rough diamonds from any nation that fails to subscribe to the standard. Shipments lacking proper certification will be treated in a similar way. The U.S. Customs is responsible for enforcement at American ports of entry.
Ben Bridge and CRJP
All suppliers of merchandise and materials to Ben Bridge must agree to and sign the Ben Bridge Supplier Code of Conduct agreement, attesting to their participation in the Kimberley Process and System of Warranties. In addition, Ben Bridge supports and is working to promote the principles of the CRJP (Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices) which includes the social, ethical and environmentally sensitive practices of mining and production throughout the supply chain. The standards and values of Ben Bridge are well known and respected throughout the global jewelry industry.
You have the assurance and commitment of Ben Bridge Jeweler in providing the very best in fine jewelry values with a caring concern for people – in our communities and in the world where we live and work.
For more information about our Corporate Social Responsibility and Practices, please e-mail Ask The Jeweler for more information.
Efforts to Eradicate Slavery and Human Trafficking from Supply Chain
As part of our ongoing commitment to the responsible sourcing of our jewelry, Ben Bridge Jeweler was certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) in October 2011 following a third party supply chain audit, conducted by KPMG Performance Registrar of Vancouver, B.C.
To achieve such certification, the auditor confirmed Ben Bridge’s business practices met the ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards established by the RJC’s Member Certification System. Such standards include evaluating the risks of human trafficking and slavery both within the organization and among its suppliers.
Ben Bridge requires our suppliers to certify that materials incorporated in the jewelry we purchase complies with laws regarding slavery and human trafficking of the country or countries in which the suppliers are doing business. Further, Ben Bridge maintains internal accountability standards and procedures for employees or contractors failing to meet company standards regarding slavery and trafficking and have provided associates with direct responsibility for the supply chain with training regarding mitigating the risks within the supply chain of products.
Ben Bridge Jeweler is a family-operated chain of retail jewelry stores located in eleven Western states. Headquartered in Seattle since 1912, Ben Bridge is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies.
The Responsible Jewelry Council (http://www.responsiblejewellery.com/) is an international not-for-profit organization committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewelry industry from mine to retail.