The Canadian jewellery industry watchdog and crime
prevention association. In partnership with the RCMP.

Jewellers Vigilance Canada

The Industry’s Guardian of Ethics and Integrity

Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC) was established in 1987 as an independent non-profit association with a mandate to advance ethical practices, establish a level playing field for the Canadian jewellery industry and provide crime prevention education for the trade. JVC is in partnership with the RCMP as well as liaising with other law enforcement agencies across Canada. JVC’s mission is to keep the industry vibrant, strong and a safe place to do business while ensuring consumer confidence.

• JVC provides a comprehensive crime prevention package to the Canadian jewellery industry with the support from our crime prevention partners, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. Visit our website at www.jewellerycrimecanada.ca.
• JVC works closely with the RCMP to provide intelligence and understanding of the jewellery industry both in Canada and worldwide.
• JVC establishes industry guidelines such as the newly revised Jewellery Appraisal Guidelines- Minimum Acceptable Standards and the Canadian Guidelines with Respect to the Sale and Marketing of Diamonds, Coloured Gemstones and Pearls- Revised Edition 2003. The latter has been recognized internationally.
• JVC advises consumers and mediates with the trade on their behalf.
• JVC advises the trade and deals with trade complaints against other members.
• JVC advocates fair competition and works with the Competition Bureau to ensure compliance to The Competition Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act and with Measurement Canada to ensure compliance with the Weights and Measures Act.
• JVC works with Canadian government agencies such as Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) on issues that affect our industry.
• JVC administers the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Authenticating Canadian Diamond Claims (the Code) and Chairs the Canadian Diamond Code Committee (CDCC).

How JVC Works

JVC has a volunteer Board of Directors made up of various leaders of the Canadian jewellery industry, represented by retailers and supply members. Board members include refiners, manufacturers, appraisers and large chain retailers. The bulk of the trade, small chains and independently owned single store retailers, are also represented on the board. In addition the board includes representation from major North American trade associations such as the World Gold Council, the American Gem Society (AGS), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA).

The current mandate covers the following issues and concerns of the jewellery industry:

• crime prevention
• consumer mediation
• precious metals marking
• intellectual property rights
• misleading advertising
• deceptive marketing
• industry standards and guidelines
• illegal activity
• fraud, smuggling, telemarketing fraud
• providing an industry spokesperson

Every year JVC receives and deals with numerous consumer calls expressing concerns, questions or complaints about the jewellery industry.

JVC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does JVC do?

• Crime prevention
• Jewellery Industry Watchdog
• Consumer Mediation
• Trade Mediation
• Set Industry Guidelines

2. How do I choose a jeweller?

• Check with the JVC to see if there are any outstanding complaints that are unresolved
• Follow JVC's "Buying Tips" (see JVC Services)

3. How do I choose a jewellery appraiser?

JVC recommends that where possible choose an Accredited Appraiser. Please check back soon.

4. What do I do if I'm experiencing difficulty or have a concern with a jeweller?

Contact JVC in writing with your complaint. (see JVC Services)

5. How far can JVC take a complaint?

JVC acts in an advisory capacity and as a mediator. We have no legal authority, however, we can take a complaint through to a civil resolution but cannot take any legal action.

6. I received an appraisal with my jewellery purchase, but when I had it appraised by another appraiser, the values were very different. What should I do?

JVC recommends you have a third appraisal done by an accredited appraiser. Depending on what that appraisal comes back as we will then discuss your course of action.

7. I bought a piece of jewellery and did not get a receipt. Now the item is broken and the jeweller will not take it back. What do I do?

Always get a receipt, no matter what kind of deal you work out with the jeweller. Without proof of purchase there is very little recourse.

8. I was offered a great deal on a diamond ring from a jeweller. The price is much less than anywhere else I've shopped. Should I buy it?

Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, chances are it is! Click here for buying tips.

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