Fred Meyer Jewelers is Second Retailer in the World to Become Certified Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council

PORTLAND, Ore., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fred Meyer Jewelers, the third largest fine jewelry retailer in the U.S., is proud to announce it has achieved certification under the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Certification System. The RJC Certification System audits companies in the jewelry industry on ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards.  Fred Meyer Jewelers, which also operates under the name Littman Jewelers, is just the second retailer in the world to receive this certification.

"We know our customers demand the best from us, and ensuring that their new treasures were produced in safe, humane and environmentally sound ways is critical," said Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers and Littman Jewelers. "Safeguarding consumer confidence in jewelry products in the United States and worldwide ensures the continued success of our entire industry."

The verification assessment was conducted by the independent third party auditing firm Specialized Technology Resource, Inc.  

The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit organization bringing together more than 270 member companies committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewelry industry from mine to retail. It is committed to reinforcing consumer and stakeholder confidence in diamond, gold and platinum metals jewelry products. The Council has developed the RJC Member Certification System, a certification system which will apply to all Members' businesses that contribute to the diamond, gold and platinum metals jewelry supply chain. All Commercial Members of the RJC are required to be audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC's Code of Practices and become certified under the RJC Member Certification System. A full list of its Members can be found on the web at www.responsiblejewellery.com.

"Fred Meyer Jewelers and Littman Jewelers are to be commended for the commitment and dispatch in achieving their certification status," said Michael Rae, RJC's Chief Executive Officer. "Joining RJC in mid-2009, they took RJC's certification goal across the breadth of their retail operation as a top-line priority."

About Fred Meyer Jewelers and Littman Jewelers

Founded in 1973, Fred Meyer Jewelers is the nation's third largest fine jewelry retailer operating nearly 400 stores in 35 states under the Fred Meyer Jewelers and Littman Jewelers brand names. The stores carry a broad assortment of engagement and wedding rings, fine jewelry for women and men, and brand-name watches. Fred Meyer Jewelers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., which was acquired in 1999 by The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), one of the nation's largest grocery retailers.  More information on www.FredMeyerJewelers.com.

SOURCE Fred Meyer Jewelers