• Signet is one of only four companies to independently audit and file a report with
the SEC in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
• More than 99% of Signet's gold is verified conflict-free
Signet Jewelers Limited ("Signet") (NYSE:SIG),
the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, recently submitted its fifth consecutive Conflict
Minerals Report to the SEC in accordance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Signet was one of only four companies to have its gold conflict-free
filing with the SEC independently audited in line with the Section 1502
requirements in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Now Signet has extended
its "conflict-free" reporting under Section 1502 for a fifth consecutive
year.
"We know that our customers care about the responsible sourcing of
their jewelry," said Signet Chief Executive Officer Virginia C. Drosos.
"That is why we are committed to continuing our longstanding efforts to
advance responsible sourcing throughout the global jewelry industry
supply chain."
Coupled with Signet's efforts to source responsible and conflict-free
gold, we also aim to lead the continuous improvement in the integrity of
the global jewelry supply chain. To this end, over the last five years, our
accomplishments include:
• Signet is one of the founding members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development's (OECD) Multi-Stakeholder Group, which developed the Due Diligence
Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains on Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk
Areas and which has been active in its further development and implementation. Signet is
also a member of OECD's expert working group developing the OECD Minerals
Handbook covering guidance for all minerals.
• We have collaboratively developed and launched the open source Signet Responsible
Sourcing Protocols for Gold, 3Ts, Diamonds, Silver and Platinum Group Metals. We are
actively developing a Protocol for Colored Gemstones, thereby covering all of the main
materials used in the fine jewelry industry.
• We have instituted a process of ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the jewelry
industry, governments, civil society, and other organizations, which has contributed to the
consistency and harmonization of responsible sourcing standards for the jewelry industry
and beyond.
• Signet is the first major non-electronics industry company to be a member and support
development of the Responsible Minerals Initiative(formerly the Conflict-Free Sourcing
Initiative).
• Signet's position as a Founding and Certified Member of the Responsible Jewellery
Council (RJC) has enabled us to encourage all of our Suppliers to become RJC members as
well. The total number of Signet suppliers who are RJC members has nearly quintupled
since 2014 and represents around 95% of all Signet purchases. Moreover, harmonization of
industry standards with Signet's Protocols has resulted in more efficient and consistent
verification of responsible sourcing standards across the jewelry industry.
• Active engagement in the development of responsible sourcing from artisanal sources: for
diamonds through the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) and for gold through
the Responsible Artisanal Gold Solutions Forum (RAGSF).
For additional information on Signet Jewelers' Responsible Sourcing efforts, please see our
2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Report: https://www.signetjewelers.com/corporateresponsibility/CSR-Report-2017