Code of Conduct

Statement

Blacklock Jewellery was founded in 1832. From these founding days we have lived by the values of fairness, honesty, integrity and respect. As the business has developed and changed over its 190 years of existence these principles and values have guided us.  

Blacklock Jewellery has the objective to operate as a profitable and responsible fine jewellery retailer, that sells high quality diamond and precious gemstone fine jewellery to Clients. In short we want to sell a superior fine jewellery product, whilst also seeking to uphold our Social, Ethical and Environmental Principles. We want to make a difference and we do this by considering the interests of our other stakeholders: customers, employees, those with whom we do business, and society as a whole.

We recognize that there are indirect impacts generated by our activities, in particular through our supply chain. We will seek to use our influence with those with whom we do business directly, in particular suppliers, to promote the achievement of our Social, Ethical and Environmental Principles.

We choose to work closely with only a very few select suppliers. We expect all of our Suppliers to adhere to these values in all of their business practices, which are articulated through the requirements listed below. We also expect that our Suppliers will communicate these requirements to all of their Suppliers.

I. Business Practices

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to their activities in the countries in which they operate. In particular, the fundamental International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Engage in responsible business and not engage in or condone corrupt practices, which include fraud, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
• Do not offer or provide gifts, gratuities, or entertainment designed to induce, support, or reward improper conduct in connection with any business or anticipated future business or where such gift, gratuity, or entertainment might be seen or expected to compromise the receiver's judgment and integrity.

II. Human & Labour Rights

• Ensure the following:
• No use of child labour under the age of 15 and no hazardous work for children under 18. Employers must comply with all their local legal requirements for young workers, particularly those pertaining to hours of work, wages, health and safety, and general working conditions.
• No forced, compulsory, trafficked, or bonded labour (including the retention of identity or travel documents). Forced labour includes any work or service which is extracted from any person under the threat of penalty for its non-performance and for which the worker does not offer himself or herself voluntarily.
• No discrimination based on race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, or age.
• No harsh or inhumane treatment of workers. Provide a safe workplace free from harassment, and do not permit the use of monetary fines, corporal punishment, or other forms of mental or physical abuse, coercion, or intimidation.
• Working conditions are safe and hygienic in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.
• Blacklock Jewellery expects its suppliers to comply with local laws in respect of minimum wages, working hours, employee benefits, and overtime.
• Working hours comply with national laws and industry standards.
• The rights of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognized and respected.

III. Environmental Protection

• Comply with all environmental laws and regulations relating to their activities in the countries in which they operate.
• Support initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility along the entire jewellery supply chain as well as complying with relevant locally applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Identify activities where there are any environmental risks and take steps to implement environmental protections, management systems, and remediation procedures where needed (e.g., addressing water, waste, and energy).

IV. Sourcing

Diamond Suppliers

• Adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and the World Diamond Council system for warranties.
• Suppliers must provide warranties in the form agreed by the World Diamond Council and/or Kimberley Process Certificates.
• Purchase from legitimate sources, apply the Blacklock Jewellery Exclusion List, and ensure purchases are not funding conflict and are in compliance with UN Resolutions.
• Confirm that all diamonds supplied have been sufficiently tested to be natural, not synthetic, and untreated or free from enhancements unless otherwise stated.

Gold & Gemstone Suppliers

• Make best endeavors to ensure:
• The material is purchased from legitimate sources.
• The material is extracted from conflict-free regions.
• The trade of the material is not funding conflict.
• The material (gemstones or precious metal) is accurately represented and disclosed.
• Gold suppliers should apply the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas Supplement on Gold.