In recent discussions between the AIDI International Intelligent Diamond Association (www.aidi.org) and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), both organizations agreed that the lab-grown diamond and gemstone industry should intensify its focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. With increasing interest from capital investors and individual consumers in companies that report on greenhouse gas emissions and engage in human rights protection initiatives, the RJC and AIDI are jointly advocating for enhanced sustainability reporting within the jewelry and watch sectors.
RJC’s Executive Director, Van der Veken, addressed global jewelry industry leaders in an open letter on February 3, stating that ESG reporting should become standard practice. AIDI and RJC also discussed potential collaborations on other sustainability initiatives.
Van der Veken emphasized, "To respond to the ever-evolving attitudes and regulations, many investors, individual consumers, and market institutions are incorporating ESG and climate factors into their investment portfolios. This is not a passing trend; it is becoming the new norm. In areas like financing, private equity investment, and trade supply chains, transparency is paramount: data, data, data, and progress reporting are now widely expected."
Rater Wang, AIDI’s General Manager for China, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The majority of global lab-grown diamond production is concentrated in China. AIDI has already been actively advancing the ESG process within this industry in China and plans to strengthen collaboration with RJC on ESG reporting in future jewelry trade, exhibitions, investments, capital markets, and brand promotion."
In July 2024, AIDI officially launched its ESG certification service for the global lab-grown diamond and gemstone industry. This ESG certification standard is specifically designed for the lab-grown diamond and gemstone sector and will be promoted in China and India in collaboration with industry partners to drive industrial upgrades. For more information, please visit the AIDI website at www.aidi.org or contact info@aidi.org.
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social, and environmental practices throughout the entire jewelry supply chain, from mining to retail. RJC members are committed to responsible conduct in the jewelry industry, establishing standards that apply from the extraction of minerals to the retailing of jewelry.