Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsLab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds
The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
India’s GJEPC said it is adopting the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for marketing and advertising diamonds, as included in the Jewelry Guides.
Mumbai, India—The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s main jewelry industry trade organization, announced recently that it is adopting the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for marketing and advertising diamonds.
Part of the revised Jewelry Guides released in 2018, the FTC’s guidelines dictate that when advertising lab-grown diamonds, companies must disclose what they are in a “clear and conspicuous” manner; in other words, the disclosure has to be somewhere consumers are going to see it.
The three terms the FTC recommends using for lab-grown diamonds are: laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or [manufacturer name]-created.
Cultured can be used too, the FTC said, but it has to be “immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness” by one of the three aforementioned terms.
Terms such as “real,” “genuine,” “natural,” and “precious” cannot be used in advertising a lab-grown diamond, according to the Jewelry Guides, and when the word “diamond” appears by itself, it is taken to mean the product being advertised is a natural diamond.
GJEPC said the FTC’s updated guidelines, “provide a clear, standardized definition of ‘diamond’ and distinct terminology for laboratory-grown diamonds, ensuring clarity and transparency for both industry stakeholders and consumers.”
The organization said it will begin educating the Indian trade on the correct terms and their usage, and it will encourage other jewelry trade organizations and Indian retailers to adopt the FTC-approved terminology as well.
Related stories will be right here …
Part of the revised Jewelry Guides released in 2018, the FTC’s guidelines dictate that when advertising lab-grown diamonds, companies must disclose what they are in a “clear and conspicuous” manner; in other words, the disclosure has to be somewhere consumers are going to see it.
The three terms the FTC recommends using for lab-grown diamonds are: laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or [manufacturer name]-created.
Cultured can be used too, the FTC said, but it has to be “immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness” by one of the three aforementioned terms.
Terms such as “real,” “genuine,” “natural,” and “precious” cannot be used in advertising a lab-grown diamond, according to the Jewelry Guides, and when the word “diamond” appears by itself, it is taken to mean the product being advertised is a natural diamond.
GJEPC said the FTC’s updated guidelines, “provide a clear, standardized definition of ‘diamond’ and distinct terminology for laboratory-grown diamonds, ensuring clarity and transparency for both industry stakeholders and consumers.”
The organization said it will begin educating the Indian trade on the correct terms and their usage, and it will encourage other jewelry trade organizations and Indian retailers to adopt the FTC-approved terminology as well.
On the consumer side, GJEPC said it has been working with the Indian government and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution to get the guidelines for advertising diamonds established by the FTC written into the country’s consumer laws.
Currently, consumer understanding in India is that when the word “diamond” appears alone, it implies that the product the consumer is buying is a natural diamond, but India’s existing Consumer Protection Act does not specifically state this.
The GJEPC believes it should.
“Since India’s gem and jewelry trade has unanimously accepted the FTC’s new definition with respect to diamonds, we urge the Indian government and ministries to accept, adopt, and adapt the same to existing consumer laws of our country,” GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah said.
“This initiative is in consumers’ interest and protects their rights while shielding them from misinformation. The FTC’s new definition reflects technological advancements and ensures clarity in diamond marketing, applying the same standards to both mined and lab-grown diamonds.”
Smit Patel, who heads the GJEPC’s Lab-Grown Diamond Panel, added that since is India is a leader in the lab-grown diamond sector, it should be using the same terminology for lab-grown diamonds that is being applied everywhere else.
“Globally, these diamonds are recognized as ‘laboratory-created’ or ‘laboratory-grown,’ not ‘synthetic diamonds,’ and India should embrace this terminology,” Patel said.
“The lab-grown diamond industry has also contributed to the creation of millions of jobs domestically and is driving substantial exports, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in this rapidly growing sector.”
Following its meetings with the government, GJEPC said the country’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which works to protect consumers from unfair practices, much like the FTC in the United States, organized a stakeholder consultation on consumer protection for the diamond sector.
The CCPA also has created a working group to review diamond terminology.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
