This standard is the first comprehensive, multi-stakeholder sustainability standard developed for the diamond sector and applies to both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, including any entity that handles the diamonds on their way to market. This standard establishes unprecedented benchmarks of performance and transparency, featuring: 1) stringent environmental, social and governance (ESG) achievement; 2) net zero carbon footprint; 3) sustainable production practices with net zero impact; 4) comprehensive origin traceability for the highest possible source-to-market certainty; and 5) sustainability investments that support vulnerable communities, reduce net impacts further, and contribute to a safer world.
About
SCS-007
SUSTAINABILITY RATING SCALE
Sustainability isn’t black or white. The Sustainability Rating provides the level of transparency you need to understand exactly how well your diamond performed. This rating is based on the combined average of the specific scores achieved under each of the following pillars – origin traceability, ethical stewardship, climate neutrality, and sustainable production practices – reflecting conformance to the relevant criteria.
SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION
Sustainability Rated Diamonds guard against greenwashing. Savvy consumers have learned that claims of social and environmental responsibility can often sound good, but fall short.The SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamonds Standard was developed to enable you to separate fact from fiction.
PROTECTING DIAMOND WORKERS
Unprecedented testing accuracy, combined with checks and balances across the entire chain of custody, make it possible to shut the door on blood diamonds, slave labor, child labor and other abuses once and for all.
QUANTITATIVE MEASURES OF SUCCESS
The Standard provides much more than a checklist of “do’s” and “don’ts”. It also requires action toward zeroing out impacts across the board, starting with climate impacts.
THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION
The Sustainability Rating is determined through an internationally recognized independent certification process, involving on-site audits, data and documentation review, interviews, physical examination of diamonds, and more. Diamond grading is just one part of this much larger auditing framework. Having a neutral third-party oversee this entire process is crucial.
SCS Standards is a non-profit organization committed to the development of standards that advance sustainable development goals and practices. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent and collaborative approach. LEARN MORE.