The Lab Grown Diamond Council (LGDC) trade organization has retained an internationally recognized third-party certifier and standards developer, SCS Global Services (SCS), to create the first sustainability standard in the diamond and jewelry market.Certification to this premier standard will involve a comprehensive assessment of the lab grown diamond production process, compliance auditing, diamond testing, and traceability, and will result in the issuance of SCS Sustainably Grown Diamond certification mark. This consumer-focused mark will be geared toward point-of-sale messaging and advertising.
“As an industry, we recognize the high interest from consumers to be provided valid, third-party verification of the sustainability and origin of products they buy,” said Chris Casey, LGDC president. “An important early initiative as an organization was to retain SCS to drive transparent reporting on the sustainability of the lab grown diamond market.”
Like other sustainability standards in the marketplace, the new standard will address environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Notably, it will also establish a cutting-edge climate neutrality benchmark goal for participating companies, setting it uniquely apart.
“As consumers increasingly choose lab grown diamonds, they want to be sure that their choices match their values,” said Stanley Mathuram, SCS vice president, headquartered in Emeryville, CA. “Certification to the Sustainably Grown Diamond standard will provide the scientifically robust reassurance that consumers are looking for, demonstrating company performance in meeting rigorous environmental and social requirements.”
The development of the standard will involve input from a variety of stakeholders, and will ensure compliance with all governmental regulations, from both a technical and communication perspectives. Formal roll-out of the standard is expected by the beginning of 2020, at which time producers will be eligible to apply.
“Lab grown diamonds are uniquely positioned in the diamond and jewelry market to carry a sustainability standard,” said Casey, going on to say, “This standard will clearly set the benchmark for transparent reporting.”
Once certified, individual companies will be able to use the Sustainably Grown Diamond label in communications to both the trade and consumer markets.
“The Lab Grown Diamond Council has been created to bring programs such as the SCS Sustainability Grown Diamond Standard to the market,” said Michael Barlerin, LGDC chairman. “Our mission is to create increased market clarity about the benefits of lab grown diamonds. This is a giant step in that process.”
About SCS Global Services
SCS is a trusted leader in third-party environmental, sustainability and food quality certification, auditing, testing and standards development. SCS works with companies, government agencies, and stakeholders worldwide to identify and drive practices, policies and processes that advance the goals of sustainable development and give innovators a competitive advantage. Its certification services and sustainability solutions span the natural resources, green building, energy, agricultural, and consumer products sectors, enabling policy-makers, purchasers, company decision-makers and consumers to make informed decisions based on the highest level of environmental, ethical and quality accountability. SCS, which stands for Scientific Certification Systems, is a Benefit Corporation.For more information, please visit www.scsglobalservices.com.
About Lab Grown Diamond Council
The Lab Grown Diamond Council (LGDC) Association, launched May 14, 2019, is serving the International Lab Grown Diamond Industry. LGDC will provide market research, including retail sales measurement and consumer acceptance; create third party verified sustainability standards for Lab Grown Diamonds; become a leading voice in consumer education; facilitate industry thought leadership on technical and communication issues; and serve as the primary advocate for the growth of the Lab Grown Diamond Industry. LGDC is based in New York City.
