Code of conduct

Purpose & Scope
The Independent Jewelers Organization (“IJO”) Code of Conduct (“code”) establishes the standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability expected of all members.
As a collective buying group, IJO is built on trust, transparency, and shared success. This Code reflects our commitment to:

Strengthening the integrity of the jewelry industry through independent retailers
Fostering meaningful and respectful partnerships throughout our industry

Conducting business responsibly and ethically within your community, our industry and our group

This Code applies to all IJO retailers, vendors, industry partners, employees of members, staff and representatives engaged in IJO-related activities, collectively known as “members”.
Our Foundation
Aligned with IJO’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values, all participants are expected to embody a CARING sense of purpose; elevating our industry by practicing:

Communication – We will communicate openly and respect everyone’s ideas, opinions, and suggestions, using constructive, respectful, dialog.

Accountability – We will hold each other accountable; taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.

Relationships – We will build strong relationships acting in the spirit of partnership and the Golden Rule.

Integrity and Honesty – We will do what is right ALWAYS even when it is not easy.

Never Stop Learning (Continuous Improvement) – We will focus on continual self-improvement with a commitment to learning and excellence.

Generosity– We will be generous of our time, talent, and treasures, sharing in opportunity.
Ethical Business Practices
All retail members and vendor partners must:
Conduct business with honesty, fairness, and transparency
Accurately represent products, including pricing, quality, and origin
Avoid deceptive practices, including misleading discounts or claims
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing business operations
Compete fairly and avoid anti-competitive behavior (e.g., price fixing, collusion)
Support IJO as a group, ensuring all members are fairly treated including purchasing and reporting sales occurring at IJO shows
Responsible Sourcing & Industry Integrity

IJO supports responsible sourcing and ethical supply chains. Members and vendors are expected to:

Uphold ethical standards for responsible sourcing, human rights, and environmental stewardship
Ensure goods meet all applicable quality and safety standards
Promote transparency in the journey from source to consumer
Professional Conduct & Community Responsibility

All participants must:

Always conduct themselves professionally, including at trade shows and events
Treat others with respect, fairness, and dignity
Foster inclusive, harassment-free environments
Act as positive representatives of the jewelry industry and their communities
Tradeshow Participation & Conduct

IJO tradeshows are a cornerstone of our collective success. Both retailers and vendors share responsibility for ensuring these events deliver value, integrity, and measurable results for the entire organization.

Our Expectations:
Show Up with Excellence
All participants are expected to represent their business, and IJO, with professionalism, preparation, and a commitment to meaningful engagement.
Actively Participate
Retailers and vendors are expected to be present, engaged, and conducting business in good faith throughout the show. Active participation is essential to the success of the IJO community.
Support the IJO Ecosystem
Tradeshows are designed to drive business within the IJO network. All parties are expected to prioritize IJO relationships and opportunities during these events.
Accurate Reporting of Sales
All orders and transactions generated in connection with an IJO show must be recorded and reported as IJO tradeshow business, in accordance with IJO policies.
No Diversion of Business
Retailers may not request, and vendors may not facilitate, conducting tradeshow-related business through other buying groups, organizations, or external channels.
Operate with Transparency & Partnership
Open communication, mutual respect, and shared accountability are expected at all times. Challenges should be addressed constructively and directly. If help is needed, the IJO team will act as a moderator.

Participation in IJO tradeshows is both a privilege and a responsibility.
We protect the value of the IJO platform by how we show up, how we engage, and how we conduct business, together.
Member–Vendor Partnership Standards
IJO is built on mutual responsibility, not one-sided expectations.

Retail Members Commit To:
Prioritizing IJO vendors in purchasing decisions when appropriate
Honoring vendor agreements and commitments, including payment terms and conditions
Maintaining open, solution-oriented communication

Vendors Commit To:
Providing competitive pricing and strong value to IJO members
Supporting retailer success through service, transparency, education and partnership
Representing products truthfully and accurately

Shared Expectations:
Resolve issues directly, respectfully, and constructively
Avoid public disparagement of one another
Support the collective success of the IJO network
Conflicts of Interest, Gifts & Business Courtesies

To protect the integrity of IJO relationships:
Decisions must be made free from undue influence or personal gain
Business courtesies must be reasonable, infrequent, and never intended to influence decisions

Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed promptly between all parties
Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

All participants must:
Protect confidential and proprietary information belonging to IJO, retailers, vendors, partners, employees of and industry representatives
Respect intellectual property, including trademarks, designs, and marketing materials
Avoid unauthorized sharing or use of sensitive information outside of our organization, including IJO proprietary details, timelines, organizational changes, business commitments and best practices
Social Media & Digital Conduct

IJO encourages engagement while maintaining professionalism and respect.

Guidelines:
Communicate respectfully; no harassment, defamation, or harmful commentary
Do not publicly post grievances; route concerns through IJO leadership first
Avoid excessive self-promotion or irrelevant advertising
Share accurate, truthful, and appropriate information
Protect confidential and proprietary information

Purpose:
Social platforms should be used to:
Strengthen relationships
Share knowledge and opportunities
Support the success of all IJO members

Failure to adhere may result in removal from IJO platforms or further action.
Political Activity & Use of Funds

IJO is strictly apolitical.

No IJO funds may be used for political contributions, lobbying, or policy influence
No member, vendor, or representative may act on behalf of IJO in political matters
All donations or financial contributions require formal IJO executive team approval
Workplace & Operational Standards
Members are expected to:
Provide fair wages, reasonable working hours, and lawful employment practices
Maintain safe and healthy working environments
Comply with environmental laws and operate responsibly
Provide educational opportunities to better our industry where applicable
Reporting & Accountability
To uphold this Code:
Concerns should be reported to IJO executive leadership or designated representatives
Reports will be handled confidentially and professionally
Retaliation against individuals raising concerns is prohibited and against the spirit of this code
Violations may result in corrective action, including review of membership or status.
Commitment
Participation in IJO signifies a commitment to:

Upholding these standards
Strengthening the collective reputation of the organization through education, collaboration and participation
Contributing to a culture of trust, partnership, and excellence

Legal Appendix & Governance Standards

1. Scope and Applicability

This Code of Conduct (“Code”) applies to all IJO retailers, vendors, partners, employees of, agents, and representatives engaged in IJO-related business activities (“members”).

Adherence to this Code is a condition of participation in IJO and may be incorporated into applicable membership and vendor agreements.

2. Compliance with Laws

All parties must comply with all applicable:
Federal, state, and local laws
Trade and consumer protection regulations
Anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and anti-trust laws

Any violation may result in immediate review and potential termination of IJO participation.

3. Ethical Business Practices

Members shall:
Avoid deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent practices, including misrepresentation of pricing, discounts, or product attributes
Maintain accurate business records
Compete fairly and refrain from anti-competitive conduct

4. Conflicts of Interest & Improper Influence

Members must:
Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with business obligations
Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest
Refrain from offering, soliciting, or accepting:
Excessive gifts, entertainment, or favors intended to influence decisions

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All confidential or proprietary information related to IJO and its members:
Protected from unauthorized access or disclosure
Used solely for intended business purposes
Handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws

6. Intellectual Property

Members shall:
Respect all copyrights, trademarks, and proprietary materials
Refrain from unauthorized use or distribution of IJO proprietary details and assets or member assets

7. Social Media and Public Communications

Members agree:
Not to publish defamatory, false, or harmful statements regarding IJO, its staff or its members
To refrain from publicly posting grievances without first engaging IJO leadership for resolution
That IJO reserves the right to restrict access to official platforms for violations

8. Political Activity and Use of Funds

IJO maintains strict political neutrality.
No IJO funds shall be used for political contributions, lobbying, or policy influence
No individual or entity may represent IJO in political matters
All donations or financial contributions require prior IJO Executive Team approval in accordance with IJO governance procedures

9. Workplace, Labor, and Environmental Standards

Participants shall:
Comply with all applicable labor laws, including wages, hours, and working conditions
Provide safe and healthy workplaces
Operate in compliance with environmental laws and regulations

10. Reporting Violations

Violations of this Code should be reported, in the below order, to:
IJO executive leadership
IJO Board of Directors
Any designated committees as applicable

Reports will be handled confidentially to the extent possible.

11. Non-Retaliation

Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation of this Code.

12. Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

IJO reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to violations, including but not limited to:
Formal warning
Suspension of privileges
Termination of membership or vendor relationship

13. Tradeshow Participation, Reporting & Compliance

Participation in IJO-sponsored tradeshows is a core component of membership and vendor engagement. All members and vendors are required to adhere to the following standards:

13.1 Participation Requirements

Members and vendors are expected to actively participate in IJO tradeshows in good faith, including engaging in scheduled events, conducting business within the IJO framework, and representing their organization in a professional manner.

13.2 Reporting of Tradeshow Transactions

All orders, agreements, or transactions that are initiated, negotiated, or otherwise result from participation in an IJO tradeshow must be:

· Accurately recorded
· Fully disclosed
· Reported as IJO tradeshow business in accordance with IJO policies and procedures

Failure to properly report such transactions may be considered a violation of this Code.

13.3 Prohibition on Diversion of Business

Participants are strictly prohibited from diverting tradeshow-related business outside of the IJO framework.

This includes, but is not limited to:
· Requesting or facilitating the processing of transactions through another buying group, organization, or external channel
· Recharacterizing IJO tradeshow business to avoid reporting requirements
· Structuring transactions in a manner intended to circumvent IJO policies

Any such actions shall constitute a material violation of this Code.

13.4 Good Faith Conduct

All participants are expected to operate in good faith, supporting the intent and purpose of IJO tradeshows as a shared business platform designed to benefit the collective membership.

13.5 Enforcement

Failure to comply with tradeshow participation, reporting, or conduct requirements may result in corrective action at the sole discretion of IJO, including but not limited to:

· Formal warning
· Loss of tradeshow privileges
· Suspension of membership or vendor status
· Termination of membership or vendor relationship

13.6 Audit and Review Rights

IJO reserves the right to review, audit, or request documentation related to tradeshow transactions to ensure compliance with this Code and applicable policies.

Tradeshow integrity is fundamental to the success of IJO. All participants share responsibility for protecting the transparency, fairness, and value of the IJO platform.

14. Acknowledgment

All members and vendors may be required to acknowledge and agree to this Code as a condition of participation in IJO.

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