Certification Standard for Sustainably Produced Gemstones
Version:
2.0
Status:
Final Standard
Description:
This standard is a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder sustainability standard developed for the gemstone sector and applies to natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Entities eligible for certification include producers and those who handle certified gemstones as they move down the supply chain.
The certification program recognizes Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) achievement for mined gemstones and is structured around the following Sustainability Pillars:
- Good Governance,
- Traceability (supported by blockchain-enabled chain-of-custody tracking),
- Environmental Stewardship,
- Social Responsibility, and
- Climate Responsibility.
Additional optional Trailblazer categories recognize 100% Renewable Electricity, Supply Chain Climate Responsibility, and Sustainability Impact Investor.
Starting August 1, 2026, organizations seeking to get certified or recertified may choose to undergo an audit against either Version 1.1 or Version 2.0 of the SCS-007 Standard. Starting November 1, 2026, all organizations seeking to get certified or recertified will be audited against V2.0. At the latest, all certificate holders must be audited against V2.0 by November 1, 2027.
Documents
SCS-007 Certification Standard for Sustainably Produced Gemstones V2.0
SCS-007-1 Sustainability Rated Diamonds Standard V1.1
SCS-007-1 Certification Body Requirements V1.1
SCS-007 Interpretation Log (1 December 2025)
SCS-007-1 Annex A: Approved Mechanisms to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Footprint V2.1
SCS-007-1 Annex B: Supplemental Climate Reporting: Using the RF Protocol to Quantify Heat Reduction Potential of Producer Activities V2.1
SCS-007-1 Annex C: Quantifying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Results for the Production Operation V2.1
SCS-007-1 Annex D: Requirements for ISM Producers for Establishing Ecosystem Baseline Conditions V2.1
SCS-007-1 Annex E: Assessing Industrial-Scale Mining (ISM) Impacts on Water Resources and Quality V1.2
SCS-007-1 Annex F: Data Requirements for Certified Diamonds and Certified Diamond Jewelry V1.3