The Eden Project, Cornwall – The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) proudly commemorates its 20th anniversary with a landmark event designed to leave a lasting legacy. On Friday, July 4th, the RJC will bury a time capsule in the Core Gardens at the iconic Eden Project, symbolizing its dedication to ethical standards and sustainable practices in the jewellery and watch industry.
Dan James, Development Director at the Eden Project, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We’re delighted to host this special occasion with the Responsible Jewellery Council. Burying a time capsule at Eden is a powerful gesture, celebrating two decades of progress in responsible practices and inspiring continued positive change in the industry.”
The choice of the Eden Project for this symbolic act is rooted in a shared history with the RJC. Both the Core at Eden and the RJC began in 2005. The Core’s unique copper roof, sourced transparently from Rio Tinto’s Kennecott mine in Utah, reflects the commitment to environmentally responsible materials. Rio Tinto’s support began in 2002 under the guidance of John Hall, now Interim Executive Director of the RJC, and Sue Brooks, then Corporate Relations Adviser for Rio Tinto and now the RJC’s Standards General Manager.
This marks only the second time capsule at the Eden Project. The first, buried in 2006 during The Core’s opening, contained a handwritten message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As reported by the BBC, her message still resonates in 2025:
“I am confident the Eden Project will continue to encourage a better understanding of the planet on which we live and offer a vision of hope for the future and inspire us all to work to make this world a better place for everyone.”
The new RJC time capsule includes symbolic items, messages, and documents from the RJC team, board, members, and stakeholders, capturing the council’s journey over the past two decades. It reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to advancing responsible sourcing, sustainability, and transparent supply chains in the jewellery world.
John Hall shared his thoughts on the occasion:
“Marking 20 years of the Responsible Jewellery Council is a significant milestone. Creating a time capsule at the Eden Project — a beacon of sustainability and education — is a fitting tribute to our journey. It reminds us of the progress we’ve made, the challenges overcome, and our continued mission to foster a sustainable future for the jewellery industry.”
The burial ceremony will be attended by representatives from both the RJC and the Eden Project and is part of a wider RJC initiative to raise awareness and drive engagement around sustainability, ethical sourcing, and corporate responsibility in the jewellery and watch sectors.