The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is marking a significant milestone in the jewelry industry with the introduction of its new standard for lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones. This move is designed to set clear ethical, environmental, and social guidelines for companies handling these materials, ensuring the sector remains accountable and transparent in its practices.
On Tuesday, the RJC, based in the U.K., unveiled the RJC Laboratory Grown Material Standard (LGMS). This new framework focuses on key areas such as legal compliance, environmental management, human rights, labor conditions, and product grading. The RJC’s chairman, Dave Meleski, highlighted the organization’s mission to promote responsible practices across the entire jewelry supply chain, from laboratory to retail.
“We believe that elegance and ethics should go hand in hand. The LGMS is a vision for the future, where both mined and lab-grown diamonds are celebrated with integrity,” said Meleski.
For the first year, RJC members can voluntarily adhere to the LGMS, starting March 31. After this one-year transition, the standard will become mandatory for all members working with lab-grown materials. Companies must implement clear and transparent practices, ensuring that their products and processes align with the new requirements. Third-party audits will be conducted to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the RJC will offer optional training modules and streamlined auditing processes, especially for companies handling both lab-grown and natural materials. Audits for the LGMS will be combined with the RJC’s existing “Code of Practices” audit, simplifying the process for members already compliant with the latest COP 2024 or subsequent versions.
The global market for lab-grown diamonds is projected to see significant growth, with estimates predicting it will more than double in value by 2032, reaching $59.2 billion. The RJC’s new standard aims to provide consumers with the assurance that the jewelry they purchase adheres to the highest ethical and environmental standards.
John Hall, interim executive director of the RJC, emphasized the importance of the new standard, stating, “The LGMS ensures that only best practices are followed, from the laboratory to the consumer, fostering trust in the jewelry sector.”
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