The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has introduced the RJC Laboratory Grown Material Standard (LGMS), setting a new benchmark for ethical and sustainable practices in the lab-grown diamond and gemstone sector within the watch and jewellery industry.
“Our mission at RJC is to promote responsible business practices from laboratory or mine to retail,” says RJC chairman Dave Meleski. “With the LGMS, we are not just setting a standard; we are setting a vision for a future where elegance and ethics go hand in hand. We believe that every diamond, whether mined or lab-grown, can be celebrated without compromising our values.”
The LGMS addresses a broad range of responsible business practices, including legal compliance, management systems, due diligence, human rights, labour rights, health and safety, appraisal and grading, disclosure, and environmental management, among others.
“Our mission is to create a trustworthy environment where buyers and sellers can engage with confidence,” says John Hall, interim executive director of the RJC. “By implementing our LGMS, we aim to ensure only best practices from laboratory to consumer.”
The standard emphasizes the importance of strong company management systems to ensure a responsible and transparent supply chain. It requires members to document and implement technical requirements that impact every step of the process. This approach is designed to reduce risks, improve conditions for workers and communities, and preserve the integrity of each lab-grown gemstone. Additionally, the LGMS aims to promote clear, transparent, and accurate communication about practices and products, which is key to building trust in the marketplace and helping consumers make informed choices.
For the first year after its introduction, the LGMS will be voluntary for existing RJC members. Following this initial phase, it will become mandatory for all members handling lab-grown materials. This transition allows time for members to access the support and resources needed to meet the new standards.
To assist with this process, the RJC will offer optional training and educational modules, as well as streamlined auditing procedures, making it easier for members working with both lab-grown and natural materials to comply with both the LGMS and the existing Code of Practices (COP).
