“I’m excited to announce the milestone launch of the RJC Laboratory Grown Material Standard (LGMS) which addresses the specific risk profile of the LGM industry, defining ethical, human rights, social, and environmental requirements” said, John Hall, Interim Executive Director.

By achieving LGMS certification, members will implement a clear framework and new benchmark for responsible business practices across the LGM supply chain in a significant step forward for both their businesses and the watch and jewellery industry.

The LGMs provides a standard for ethical, social, human rights and environmental practices for companies handling laboratory grown materials! RJC set the key goals &the LGMS defines the requirements for establishing responsible business practices throughout the jewellery and watch supply chain, for companies handling laboratory grown materials.

The LGMS is comprised of 28 provisions specifically designed to help companies achieve five broad objectives:

1: To improve legal and regulatory compliance, strengthen public reporting and secure a commitment to responsible business practices.

2: To increase the use of due diligence in supply chains to uphold human rights, support community development, promote anti-corruption efforts and manage sourcing risks.

3: To better comply with international labour conventions and ensure responsible working conditions. 4: To protect the health and safety of both people and environments, and to use natural resources efficiently. 5: To adequately control, and disclose information about, products and so avoid misleading or deceptive marketing practices.

The LGMS can be applied to any size of business, and its scope includes all sectors of the laboratory grown material jewellery and watch supply chain! Achieving RJC Certified Member status is a major milestone in your sustainability journey.

It demonstrates your commitment to responsible business practices and promotes trust in the watch and jewellery supply chain. RJC Commercial Members who achieve LGMS certification are permitted to display the official RJC Certified Member logo.

New members have two years to achieve certified status and we’re here to support you every step of the way. For existing members dealing in laboratory grown materials, if not already certified to the 2024 COP, they will need to book a combined audit for the LGMS and 2024 COP, 12 months from the effective date of the LGMS, which is March 31, 2025.