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
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
