An association of lab-grown diamond companies aimed at increasing awareness of and driving demand for man-made gems was recently formed in New York.

The Lab Grown Diamond Council (LGDC), whose mission is to “develop and implement a multi-tiered, international communications programme” to promote lab-grown diamonds, is open to lab-grown producers such as growers and equipment manufacturers; suppliers, retailers and associates, according to Michael Barlerin, chairman of LGDC.

LGDC provides market research on retail sales and consumer demand; and creates third-party verified sustainability standards for lab-grown diamonds. 

Chris Casey, president of LGDC, commented, “Our intent is to provide members with the tools they need to drive the growth of this revolutionary product.”