Editor’s Note
The Responsible Jewellery Council has announced new guidance for the ethical and sustainable sourcing of lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones, marking a significant step in establishing industry-wide standards.
After several years of development, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) said on Monday that it is ready to debut its guidance for ethical and sustainable practices in the use of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstones.
The Laboratory Grown Materials Standard (LGMS), expected to be on the RJC website as of Feb. 25, will be mandatory for RJC members, ensuring the jewelry they create with lab-grown gemstones is good for people and the planet, according to a statement from the group.
The Responsible Jewellery Council began working on the guidelines in 2021 and invited members to review drafts of them. They cover business practices such as legal compliance, management systems, due diligence, human rights, labor rights and working conditions, health and safety, appraisal and grading, disclosure, and environmental management.
After a first year when they’re voluntary, LGMS will become mandatory for all members handling lab-grown materials, RJC said. The transitional phase gives members time to set up the processes and support they need to meet the standard.
RJC also will provide optional training and educational modules, along with streamlined auditing processes to help members adhere to the new standard and the group’s existing code of practices.
With the new guidelines, RJC seeks to create transparency for consumers and the marketplace. To support this, RJC members need strong management systems, which will enable a clear supply chain, the statement noted. LGMS also asks members to document and implement technical requirements at every step of its processes that protects workers, communities, and consumers, it said.
RJC, the leading standards organization of the global jewelry and watch industry, has 2,000 member companies in 74 countries spanning the supply chain from mine to retail.
