The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has taken an initiative to inform and publicise and trade rules and regulations within the jewellery trade of the US, through its recently released publication, “The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Gold and Silver Jewelry.”

The Guide incorporates clear explanations of the legal standards that govern the manufacture, sale and advertising of gold and silver industry products and can help the trade to provide clear, accurate information to consumers. It also cautions the jewellers using new technologies to create new combinations and alloys of gold, silver and gold and other gold plated products to follow existing legal standards. The intent behind this initiative is to ensure legal compliance and consumer confidence.

The guidelines incorporate JVC’s interpretation of the governing standards: The National Gold and Silver Stamping Act; The Federal Trade Commission Guides for Jewelry, Precious Metal and Pewter; Voluntary Product Standard (VPS) PS 68-76, reflects the accepted trade practice in the marking of articles made only of silver in combination with gold, either visually distinguished or not, and includes articles where the gold fully covers the base.

Also inclusive is information which is essential common knowledge jewellers must have including: When and how to stamp gold and silver; Gold: What is a gold alloy? Mechanical application of gold - gold filled, rolled gold plate and gold overlay; gold sheathing; Vermeil and combination gold and silver; Silver: What is solid silver? Coin silver; silver coated or silver-plate and alternative metals.

The Guide also includes a Gold Stamping Law chart, including plating thickness. The JVC members will be handed a copy of this Guide with their renewal membership packets, and the occasion will also see Jo-Ann Sperano, JVC’s paralegal/mediator and precious metals industry expert, answering queries of the members pertaiing to the Guide at JVC’s booth, #2300, at the JA/NY Show, Jacob Javits Convention Center, on January 19. Members will also be offered the option to fix appointments with Ms. Sperano through email.

Said Cecilia L. Gardner, JVC’s president, CEO and general counsel: “Manufacturers that produce jewellery products using new technologies and the retailers that sell them, must mark, label and present the products according to the laws that govern our industry. JVC developed “The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Gold and Silver Jewelry” in response to the many questions we receive from jewelleers on how to mark and market these new combinations of precious metals. Jewellery companies that refer to JVC’s new publication for guidance can help to ensure legal compliance and bolster consumer confidence. JVC is very grateful to The Richline Group for their generous grant to publish this important new guide.”