ColumnistsAug 17, 2021
Creative Connecting: How to Handle Disclosures Lab-GrownSep 27, 2021
RJC Is Developing a Standard for Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gems
It will be for all companies that deal in lab-grown materials.
The Responsible Jewellery Council said it is developing a standard for lab-grown diamonds and gems. It will be available for all companies dealing in lab-grown materials, like De Beers Group, which grows diamonds at its factory outside Portland, Oregon, pictured here. (Photo courtesy of De Beers Group)
London—The Responsible Jewellery Council announced last week it is in the process of developing a standard for manufacturers and retailers that deal in lab-grown diamonds and gems.
The standard will be separate from RJC’s existing Code of Practices and will aim to establish best practices for the use of lab-grown diamonds and gems in jewelry. RJC said it will include social, environmental and business integrity requirements.
Executive Director Iris Van der Veken said developing a standard for lab-grown materials is important for the organization, as it underscores its goal of ensuring all jewelry is responsibly sourced, manufactured, and marketed.
“It is all about consumer confidence,” she said.
“This standard will provide a clear, robust framework not only for manufacturers and retailers, but also for reassuring customers that the manufacturers and sellers of [lab-grown materials] follow rigorous processes that ensure the credibility and transparency of their operations.”
The marketing of lab-grown diamonds, in particular, has been an issue in the past, with some companies not following Federal Trade Commission guidelines when advertising their products.
In the U.S., the FTC’s “Jewelry Guides” dictate that companies advertising lab-grown diamonds must use “clear and conspicuous” disclosure that appears in close proximity to the word “diamond.”
Related stories will be right here …
The standard will be separate from RJC’s existing Code of Practices and will aim to establish best practices for the use of lab-grown diamonds and gems in jewelry. RJC said it will include social, environmental and business integrity requirements.
Executive Director Iris Van der Veken said developing a standard for lab-grown materials is important for the organization, as it underscores its goal of ensuring all jewelry is responsibly sourced, manufactured, and marketed.
“It is all about consumer confidence,” she said.
“This standard will provide a clear, robust framework not only for manufacturers and retailers, but also for reassuring customers that the manufacturers and sellers of [lab-grown materials] follow rigorous processes that ensure the credibility and transparency of their operations.”
The marketing of lab-grown diamonds, in particular, has been an issue in the past, with some companies not following Federal Trade Commission guidelines when advertising their products.
In the U.S., the FTC’s “Jewelry Guides” dictate that companies advertising lab-grown diamonds must use “clear and conspicuous” disclosure that appears in close proximity to the word “diamond.”
The FTC’s recommended terms are: laboratory-grown, laboratory-created or [manufacturer name]-created. Cultured can be used but has to be “immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness” by one of the three aforementioned terms; it cannot stand alone.
The Jewelry Guides also state that anytime the word “diamond” appears by itself in advertising, it must be referring to a natural diamond.
RJC announced development of the standard last week and said it will consult with all stakeholders and follow the ISEAL “Standard-Setting Code of Good Practices” in developing it. ISEAL is a global membership organization for sustainability systems like RJC, the Rainforest Alliance, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Any and all interested parties are welcome to provide input and can contact RJC by sending an email to create@responsiblejewellery.com
The organization’s multi-stakeholder Standards Committee is managing the consultation and development process.
RJC said it will start developing its new standard in Q4 this year and expects to finish in Q2 2022. The standard will receive a "robust" review before it is finalized.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
