FEI conducts its business in a manner that is ethical, legally compliant, and respectful of the people and environments connected to our supply chain.
FEI is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the global standard-setting organisation for the watch and jewellery industry. The RJC's Code of Practices (COP) defines the responsible ethical, human rights, social, and environmental practices that certified members must adhere to.
Our certification covers FEI's activities as a diamonds and coloured gemstones trader, cutter and polisher, and has been independently audited and verified by a third-party RJC-approved auditor. FEI has been a member of the RJC since 2020.
The policies set out on this page are published in accordance with RJC COP 3.1, which requires all members to communicate publicly on their business practices annually.
The following commitments apply across FEI's operations at 36 West 44th Street, New York, and are reviewed and updated at least annually by senior management.
FEI is committed to conducting all business activities ethically, transparently, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This commitment is endorsed by senior management and actively communicated to all personnel. Our practices are reviewed annually against the RJC Code of Practices, and corrective actions are implemented wherever gaps are identified.
FEI maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward bribery, corruption, and facilitation payments in all forms. No FEI employee or representative may offer, give, request, or receive any improper payment or benefit — whether in dealings with public officials, business counterparties, or any other party — regardless of local custom or practice. This policy is communicated to all personnel and applies equally to agents and intermediaries acting on FEI's behalf.
FEI maintains policies and procedures to detect and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, consistent with applicable law and the RJC Code of Practices (COP 12). We apply Know Your Counterparty (KYC) due diligence to our business relationships, maintain financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards, and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities as required by law.
FEI is committed to full and accurate disclosure in all product representations (COP 29). Gemstone treatments, synthetic origins, and material substitutions are disclosed in accordance with industry standards and applicable law. We work with the world's leading independent gemological laboratories — AGL, GIA, Gübelin, and SSEF — to provide authoritative, third-party certification for significant stones, and we do not make misleading claims regarding gemstone origin, quality, or value.
FEI respects human rights in all aspects of our operations and business relationships, consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (COP 6). We assess potential and actual human rights impacts connected to our activities and take steps to prevent, mitigate, and remedy any adverse impacts identified through our due diligence processes. This commitment is endorsed at the senior management level and integrated into our operating practices.
FEI conducts supply chain due diligence in accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (COP 7). We do not knowingly acquire gemstones or other materials that have financed armed conflict, and we take reasonable steps to verify the origins and sourcing of the materials we trade. All significant purchases are subject to our Know Your Counterparty (KYC) procedures.
FEI is committed to fair and lawful employment practices consistent with applicable law and the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions (COP 15–23). We prohibit child labour and all forms of forced or compulsory labour. Personnel are free to terminate their employment without penalty, and FEI respects the right to freedom of association. These expectations extend to contractors and business partners operating within our facilities.
FEI provides fair remuneration at or above applicable legal minimums, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions for all personnel. We are committed to non-discrimination in hiring, compensation, and advancement on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Harassment and intimidation in any form are prohibited.
FEI is committed to maintaining safe and healthy working conditions for all personnel and visitors (COP 24). We comply with applicable health and safety regulations, maintain records of any incidents, and take corrective action promptly where hazards are identified. Personnel are trained in safe working procedures relevant to their roles, including those specific to our lapidary operations.
FEI is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations (COP 25–28). We comply with applicable environmental regulations, manage waste — including any chemicals or materials arising from lapidary activities — responsibly and in accordance with applicable law, and seek continuous improvement in our environmental performance. We use natural resources efficiently and take steps to reduce emissions and unnecessary consumption in our operations.
FEI maintains an accessible grievance mechanism for any party — including employees, business partners, or members of the public — who wishes to raise a concern about our business practices (COP 2.6). Concerns may be directed to [email protected], marked for the attention of the senior partner. All submissions are treated in confidence, investigated in good faith, and responded to in a timely manner. Where anonymity is requested, FEI will make reasonable efforts to accommodate this. Submitting a concern through this mechanism does not preclude any party from seeking resolution through external administrative, judicial, or other non-judicial mechanisms. Complaints related to RJC certification may also be submitted directly to the RJC via the complaints mechanism at responsiblejewellery.com.
These policies were last reviewed by senior management in January 2026 and will be reviewed again no later than January 2027.