The “Joaillerie de France” label: instructions for use

Who can obtain the label?

The “Joaillerie de France” label is open to any jewellery craftsman or manufacturer who meets three prior conditions:

- Is a member of a professional organization that is a member of the French BJOC[1], Federation
- Holds the hallmark delegation convention, issued by the General Customs Department (this convention allows the holder to apply the hallmark himself, which guarantees the precious metal),
- Meets the criteria set out in “Joaillerie de France” label regulations.

To date nearly fifty jewellery/high jewellery manufacturers have obtained the “Joaillerie de France” label.

Who awards the label?

Terms for awarding the “Joaillerie de France” label are governed by a will for transparency and impartiality. This is why every application is examined by two bodies

- The Label Commission, made up of ten professionals appointed by the Board of the French BJOP Union,

- An independent certifying body, the CETEHOR, whose role is to audit the applicant company.

On the basis of this audit, the Label Commission decides, after examination, on whether or not the applicant company should receive approval. The Label Commission reserves the right to ask the CETEHOR to carry out checks to ensure that the label is used in accordance with regulations.

What are the criteria for awarding the label?

1/ French origin of manufacture of the products

The Label guarantees that every piece is made in France. It therefore is an assurance of the added value of work, that is to say that the value of labour used in manufacture of the product has been generated in France.

Origin is certified by an audit by the certifying authority.

2/ Compliance with the professional techniques used in French jewellery and high jewellery

Compliance with professional techniques, that is to say all the technical criteria that characterise French manufacture of jewellery and high jewellery. To certify compliance with professional techniques, the Label Commission examines a representative sample of the pieces made by the applicant and evaluates the quality of the casting, polishing, setting of the gem and/or of the engraving.

3/ Compliance with ethical standards

The applicant undertakes, by the signature of certificates, that he will comply with all laws and standards governing the activities of companies in the jewellery and high jewellery sector in France: labour law, environmental standards, usage code, Kimberley process, respecting the decree of January 2002 concerning the appellation of gems and pearls, respecting the ban of the use of synthetic stones, etc.

The “Joaillerie de France” label is awarded to manufacturers and craftsmen only for those products that meet the criteria defined by the Label.

[1] French Federation of Jewellery, High Jewellery, Silverware, Gifts, Diamonds, Gemstones and Pearls and related activities.