CIBJO expects to remove the terms ‘laboratory grown’ and ‘laboratory created’ from its list of recommended language for diamonds

CIBJO reportedly decided after a year of consultation and consideration and has determined that ‘synthetic’ is the option that is unambiguously clear for consumers when discussing diamonds. The changes are expected to be included in the Blue Book in early September. From that point onward, only ‘synthetic’ can be used to describe “artificial products having essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and structure as that of their naturally occurring counterparts.”

Charles Abouchar, president of CIBJO’s Colour Stone Commission, said that neither ‘laboratory grown’ nor ‘laboratory created’ was being used appropriately to describe these products with sufficient clarity.

“The ultimate goal remains protecting consumer confidence through the adoption of clear and descriptive language that transparently informs,” he said. “In making this move, it is hoped that the situation in the market will become clearer and the consumer will be properly informed.”

CIBJO’s move is the latest in a line of similar terminology adjustments in markets around the world, including Russia, India, the US, and Europe.