Editor’s Note
This article outlines the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand’s new strategic push to implement comprehensive Sustainability Standards. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency, traceability, and governance, positioning Thailand’s industry to meet evolving global expectations and secure a competitive edge.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – 21 October 2025 – The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, has unveiled a strategic plan to accelerate the adoption of Sustainability Standards aimed at strengthening Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry. The initiative promotes good governance, transparency, and traceability across the supply chain, establishing international benchmarks that build confidence among global buyers and leading brands.
The move aligns with the expanding global gem and jewelry market valued at more than THB 11 trillion and responds to the growing sustainability trend that is reshaping consumer demand and trade practices worldwide. The plan is designed to help Thai entrepreneurs capture a larger share of this market by aligning with verified sustainable standards.
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, sustainability factors now influence 20–30% of global jewelry sales, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior. Today’s buyers look beyond beauty and craftsmanship to the origin of materials, environmental impact, and human rights practices throughout production. As a result, international standards such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) have become vital “trade passports” for access to major markets.
In this landscape, GIT is proactively supporting Thai jewelry businesses especially SMEs to align with international standards, strengthening consumer and partner confidence to meet these globally recognized benchmarks while enhancing the competitiveness of Thai enterprises in the global marketplace.
GIT has developed a systematic framework to elevate Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry through full value-chain integration from raw material sourcing to international trade. Anchored on three interlinked operational pillars, the framework provides a clear and practical roadmap for sustainable industry advancement and global recognition.
This standard enhances the testing, analysis, and certification processes to ensure that every piece originating from Thailand is not only crafted with exceptional skill but also comes with a clear, traceable origin story that meets internationally recognized standards.
Building robust internal governance covering fair labor practices, workplace safety, transparent record-keeping, and material traceability. These elements create a foundation of trust among domestic and international buyers, including tourists and neighboring markets increasingly attuned to ethical sourcing.
Through training and incubation programs, GIT equips entrepreneurs to comply with international frameworks such as the RJC Code of Practices and Chain-of-Custody Guidelines, which cover critical areas including human rights, responsible sourcing, environmental management, and occupational safety essential for global market access.
This integrated structure enables to create greater opportunities for Thai businesses, particularly SMEs, to connect with responsible global partners, elevate product and brand value, as well as reduce long-term regulatory or reputational risks linked to labor or environmental issues, contributing to the overall sustainability of Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry.
GIT plans to extend its Sustainability Standards initiative through 2026 in collaboration with industry partners and government agencies. The expansion aims to institutionalize structural standards across the entire value chain from manufacturers and factories to laboratories and domestic retailers ensuring consistency and accountability at every level. In parallel, GIT will provide advisory support to entrepreneurs seeking to assess operational gaps and develop improvement plans that align with international partner expectations.