Standards development and harmonisation

Laboratory Grown Material Standard Development

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Public consultation is now closed.

About

In 2021, the RJC decided to develop a new industry Laboratory Grown Materials Standard (LGMS). The development will include a minimum of two rounds of public consultations and input from the multi-stakeholder Standards Committee to ensure that the development sets a benchmark within the jewellery industry on best practice for responsible business practices for laboratory grown materials

This development of the LGMS is being conducted as per the ISEAL standard setting code and procedures. This is a public consultation and we welcome comments from any stakeholders on the what they would like to see in the LGMS.

The first public consultation ran for 60 days from 15 October 2021 to 17 December 2021 and is now closed. Thank you to everyone for their comments and participation in this consultation. Round 2 consultation will begin in early 2022 and we look forward to your ongoing participation.

“At the RJC we know there is a market and demand for both natural and laboratory grown diamonds. With the RJC standard for laboratory grown diamonds planned to launch in 2024, we want to be sure there is clarity for our members and especially consumers, so they can be confident in exactly what they are buying. We believe that consumers should fully understand the source behind both – whether that is mined from the earth for natural diamonds, or manufactured in a factory for laboratory grown diamonds. There are existing standards for natural diamonds; the need for a completely new set of comprehensive standards covering laboratory grown diamonds is recognised by the industry. As an ISEAL Code Compliant Member and standards and certification organisation for the global watch and jewellery industry, the RJC is uniquely positioned for that role.” Melanie Grant Executive Director, Responsible Jewellery Council

Scope

The LGMS will be mandatory for all RJC members who handle laboratory grown materials. This development will be linked to the update to the COP which includes as part of the update, an exploration to expanding the material scope. The standard and the standard setting process is publicly available to provide guidance to interested parties who are non RJC members.

The LGMS is applicable to all industry members spanning the global jewellery and watch supply chain from SME to large companies.

The scope of the LGMS development are directed by the RJCs Theory of Change (ToC), also known as the Roadmap to 2030. The ToC defines what RJC as an organisation aspires to achieve with its members by 2030 through the implementation of its standards.

Timeline

This first round of consultation will take 60 days.

Round 1
• Opens: Friday 15th October 2021
• Closes: Friday 17th December 2021

Round 2

• 2022

FAQs

How do the changes get decided?

We consult with industry experts, we follow the ISEAL standard setting code and procedures of public consultation. The COP is then reviewed by the multi-stakeholder RJC Standards Committee.

What laboratory grown materials will be included in the standard?

Any laboratory grown materials such as diamonds and coloured gemstones, will be included in the new standard.

Will this standard be applicable to me?

If you handle laboratory grown materials, the Laboratory Grown Materials Standard will be mandatory to you as per RJC membership.

When will this standard be released?

RJC aims to release the Laboratory Grown Materials Standard by June 2022.

Can I participate in the consultation?

Yes. Everyone is invited to participate in the public consultation. Please submit your comments via the webform, once consultation is open.

For any questions please reach out to: consultation@responsiblejewellery.com