RJC Is Developing a Standard for Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gems
It will be for all companies that deal in lab-grown materials.
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.
The Latest
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.