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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentThe organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAXThe boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
