Open Call to Contribute Anonymously to a Research Survey on the Increasing Popularity of Lab-Created Gems

Welcome, and thank you for considering taking part in this online survey. Before you decide, we would like you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please contact one of the investigators using the contact details below if you have any questions.

The data will be analysed to understand part of the market impact, their environmental and ethical advantages, and shifting consumer attitudes. This study is part of a research project supported by Loughborough University. The study will be undertaken by Dr Roberta Bernabei. You will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey, which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. You do not need to do anything before completing the survey.

This is a low-risk activity, and no disadvantages or risks have been identified in association with participating. You must be over the age of 18 and have the capacity to understand and consent to this research fully. This anonymous online survey will be sent to anyone who is interested in this project, with no restrictions and to a group of professionals working in the specific context of Jewellery Research and Jewellery Design.

Loughborough University will be using information/data from you to undertake this study and will act as the data controller for this study. This means that the University is responsible for looking after your information and using it properly. No identifiable personal information will be collected, and so your participation in the study will be confidential. No individual will be identifiable in any report, presentation, or publication.

All information will be securely stored on the University computer systems. Anonymised data will be retained until the project is finished, expected in May 2026. After you have read this information and asked any questions you may have, if you are happy to participate, please read the consent page and confirm your consent by checking the tick box at the bottom of the page.

You can withdraw from the survey at any time by closing the browser. However, as the survey is anonymous, once you have submitted the survey, it will not be possible to withdraw your data from the study.

Dr Roberta Bernabei (Responsible Investigator), School of SDCA, Loughborough University,
Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK R.Bernabei@lboro.ac.uk.