DiamondBuzz
RJC Introduces New Laboratory Grown Materials Standard
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has unveiled its new Laboratory Grown Materials Standard (LGMS), marking a significant step towards ethical and sustainable practices in the growing sector of laboratory-grown diamonds and coloured gemstones. As the jewellery and watch industry evolves, this new standard sets a clear benchmark for responsible sourcing and production in these emerging markets.
With consumers becoming increasingly conscientious, laboratory-grown diamonds and gemstones are gaining popularity, offering a more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined stones. The LGMS establishes comprehensive guidelines for RJC members working with these materials, ensuring that every product is crafted with care for both people and the planet.

Dave Meleski, Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council, stated,
“Our mission at RJC is to promote responsible business practices across the jewellery sector—from the mine or laboratory to the retail space. With the LGMS, we’re not just establishing a standard, we’re creating a vision for a future where elegance and ethics coexist. We believe that whether a diamond is mined or lab-grown, it can be celebrated without compromising our core values.”
The LGMS covers all facets of responsible business conduct, including legal compliance, management systems, due diligence, human rights, labour rights, health and safety, environmental management, appraisal and grading, and disclosure.
John Hall, interim Executive Director of the RJC, added,
“Our goal is to create an environment of trust where both buyers and sellers can engage with confidence. By implementing the LGMS, we ensure that best practices are upheld from the laboratory to the consumer.”

To support this mission, the LGMS places a strong emphasis on robust company management systems to guarantee responsible and transparent supply chains. Each RJC member must document and implement technical requirements that impact all stages of the process. This helps to mitigate risks, improve working conditions, benefit local communities, and maintain the integrity of every lab-grown gemstone. Transparency throughout the supply chain is key to fostering trust, ensuring that consumers can make well-informed purchasing decisions.
For the first year following its launch, the LGMS will be voluntary for existing RJC members. After this initial phase, it will become mandatory for all members working with laboratory-grown materials. This gradual transition will give members the time and resources they need to meet these essential standards.
In addition, the RJC will offer optional training, educational modules, and simplified auditing processes, making it easier for members to comply with both the LGMS and the existing Code of Practices (COP).
With the introduction of the LGMS, the RJC is making responsible luxury the standard, not the exception, in the watch and jewellery industry. Through its LGMS, COP, and COC, the RJC reaffirms its role as the leading authority in setting industry standards.
DiamondBuzz
De Beers Group Launches “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” Program at IIJS Bharat Signature to Revolutionize Natural Diamond Accessibility in India
De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, marked a significant milestone in the Indian jewellery landscape with the official launch of the “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” program at IIJS Signature. The star-studded event featured actress Sonakshi Sinha, who joined Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, to unveil an initiative dedicated to making natural diamonds an integral part of daily life for the modern Indian consumer.



The “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” (Diamonds are for You) program is strategically designed to promote natural diamonds by raising awareness, boosting market visibility,and creating a seamless connection between retailers and consumers. With a focus on modern designs and attractive price points, the program also lets local retailers use De Beers Group campaigns as their own—second-piercing earrings, ‘Bestie’ bracelets, and ‘Intention’ pendants. It positions diamonds as a lifestyle choice for self-expression and daily wear.

Speaking at the launch, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, detailed the evolution of the brand’s storytelling, stating, “De Beers Group has a rich legacy of creating iconic ritual campaigns that have shaped how the world perceives diamonds. With ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye,’ program we are evolving that narrative for the Indian market to another level.
We are not just selling jewellery, we are making natural diamonds more accessible and desirable in India. Our goal is to empower retailers through INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) to ensure that every ‘First Diamond’ journey is as credible as it is beautiful.”

Speaking on the occasion, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “IIJS has always been a powerful platform for shaping the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and the launch of ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ at IIJS Signature reinforces that role. GJEPC is proud to partner with De Beers Group on the INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) project, which is a critical step towards strengthening domestic demand for natural diamonds.
By empowering retailers, enhancing consumer confidence, and expanding access across metros and Tier 2 markets, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to grow the natural diamond category sustainably within India.”
The program ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’, rests on few strategic pillars aimed at industry growth and scalability:
- Stocking & New Consumer Opportunity: Identifying gold wholesalers and distributors across 15–20 cities to focus on a first-phase target of 500 retailers.
- Retailer Advantage: Providing a “Design Advantage” and strict “Product Hygiene,” backed by a clear buy-back policy and robust training and marketing support via the INDRA alliance.
- Heera Hai Aapke Liye is robust entry-level product kit featuring earrings, bangles, bracelets, etc supported by exclusive visual merchandising (VM) for display.
- Growth and Scalability: A PAN-India reach strategy designed to unlock new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.


As India continues to grow as the world’s second-largest market for retail diamond jewellery, De Beers Group remains committed to strengthening the natural diamond narrative. By combining the emotional appeal of natural diamonds with the practical “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” framework, De Beers aims to build a sustainable future for the category across both metros and Tier 2 cities. De Beers and GJEPC aim to expand the base of Natural Diamond buyers, increase self-purchase consideration, and establish long-term credibility for the category.
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