CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
GradingDec 08, 2013
Worldwide, industry reacts to undisclosed synthetics
Synthetic diamonds--specifically those being passed off as natural--were one of the top stories in the jewelry industry last year, and it doesn’t look the man-made stones will be relinquishing their news-making reign anytime soon.
New York--Synthetic diamonds--specifically those being passed off as natural--were one of the top stories in the jewelry industry last year, and it doesn’t look the man-made stones will be relinquishing their news-making reign anytime soon.
The issue of undisclosed synthetics first came to light in a major way in May 2012 when hundreds of them turned up at a grading laboratory in Antwerp. This October, reports again surfaced about large volumes of undisclosed synthetic melee being mixed in with natural.
These latest claims touched off a wave of reactions from players all over the globe, including the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in India, the Israel Diamond Exchange and, in the United States, the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA).
The GJEPC said its concerns about mixing undisclosed synthetics with natural diamonds arose from media reports and two instances of "actual undisclosed mixing being detected." The organization formed a “special committee” to look into these two cases and, as of Monday, said the investigation was ongoing.
Recently, the GJEPC, along with a number of other India-based jewelry trade organizations, formed a Natural Diamond Monitoring Committee to enhance consumer confidence, ensure “proper segregation” of natural and synthetic stones and create policies to avoid the misrepresentation of lab-grown stones. On Friday, the GJEPC, along with the Gemmological Institute of India, opened a Diamond Detection and Resource Center (DDRC) at the Bharat Diamond Bourse.
De Beers’ Varda Shine and Paul Rowley were on hand for the opening, along with GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah. The center will provide detection services for any parcels submitted, offer resources creating awareness about lab-grown diamonds and testing methods, and provide services to diamond companies, including on-the-job training of staff in detection methods.
In the U.S., a group of industry organizations led by the DMIA plans to hold an invitation-only meeting in New York on Jan. 8 to discuss the issue.
DMIA President Ronnie VanderLinden said representatives from law enforcement as well as from a number of key industry organizations, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society among them, will attend the meeting. So will representatives from three grading labs: the Gemological Institute of America, the International Gemological Institute and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL USA).
The goal of the DMIA meeting in New York is to “put enforceable measures in place to prevent synthetics (from) being presented as natural diamonds,” the organization said.
Meanwhile, in Israel, the Israel Diamond Exchange announced recently that it is creating an “awareness campaign” for synthetic diamonds, a campaign that kicked off Sunday with a speech in Israel by industry journalist and consultant Chaim Even-Zohar.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
