Global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry confirms official Science Based Targets initiative verification.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) develops criteria with public consultation and global experts to develop standards for businesses, outlining what they need to do to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and how quickly, to limit global temperature increases to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius and preventing the worst effects of climate change predicted by the science behind the Paris Agreement.

Brilliant Earth Group Inc., a company that is revolutionizing the way jewelry is sourced, crafted, and sold, has confirmed the SBTi's official verification of its long-term targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2050.

Born from a search twenty years ago for an engagement ring both beautiful and ethically created, the company and its co-founders have continued on an uncompromising journey to arrive at the inevitable next step – zero emissions.

"Many scientists believe that it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but that we are dangerously close to that threshold," said Beth Gerstein, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Earth. "The greenhouse gas emissions targets are a major milestone in Brilliant Earth's journey to create a more ethical jewelry industry. We hope our transparency and goal setting encourages other stakeholders and industry players to align with climate science and commit to science-based net-zero targets. Together, we can be a force for positive change."

For nearly two decades, Brilliant Earth has pioneered industry-leading practices, including developing traceability standards for conflict-free diamonds and pushing beyond industry standards for the company's own operations and suppliers alike to create lasting change.

"One of our top mission priorities is to contribute to collective climate-related solutions. We chose to align with SBTi because of the initiative's ability to provide clearly defined pathways to science-based net-zero targets for global companies and financial institutions," said Brilliant Earth Vice President of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Allison Charalambous. "With SBTi, understanding how quickly and how much decarbonization is necessary unlocks action so that organizations across industries can play their part in combatting the climate crisis."

These standards and timelines are far from a walk in the park. Unilever and Proctor & Gamble are among 239 firms that have failed to meet or chosen not to use SBTi's standard this year, though 60% of the firms still have verified near-term targets.

Brilliant Earth has been calculating its greenhouse gas emissions since 2018. Using renewable energy credits, the company has reduced its market-based emissions for energy use to zero since 2022. The company is committed to transitioning from credits to increased direct sourcing of renewable energy, a strategy already underway with its new showrooms opening this year.

SBTi guidelines are already in place for ten distinct sectors from steel and aluminum to maritime and agriculture, with more underway for chemicals, power, apparel, footwear, oil, and gas. Targets are tailored to the needs and context of each industry to enable companies to develop achievable science-based solutions.

Industry leaders worldwide – such as 3M, Apple, and Pfizer – have committed to ambitious climate strategies with calculated actions to reduce impact and appeal to investors and collaborators that seek to work with SBTi Certified Suppliers.

Brilliant Earth's mission has been one of transparency, sustainability and compassion since its founding in 2005, with company headquarters in California and Colorado, 40 showrooms across the U.S., and clientele in over 50 countries.