The Russian Government says: Only natural stones can be called diamonds

Starting September 1, 2026, new Rules for the Sale of Goods under Retail Sales Contracts will take effect in Russia as outlined in Russian Government Order No. 657 of May 30, 2026.

One of the crucial changes focuses on protecting the rights of consumers who purchase jewellery with synthetic stones (those synthesised using technology and equipment). Sellers are now required to clearly disclose the synthetic origin of these stones and are prohibited from using the term “diamond,” its derivatives, quality or colour characteristics, or carat weight (only weight in grams is permitted). Labels and tags must mark these stones as “synthetic” (or “Synth.”). Besides, a ban is introduced on using terms that might mislead consumers into thinking the stone is natural, such as “precious,” “real,” “genuine,” “natural,” “mined”, “mineral,” “eco-friendly,” and similar phrases. These requirements apply to all forms of consumer information: tags, websites, advertisements, certificates, and the like. According to the new rules, the proper term for cut diamonds that are not of natural origin is “cut synthetic diamond.”

Information about a piece of jewellery and its inserts, characteristics, and origin must now be presented in a way that lets buyers make well-informed decisions before they buy.

“The main goal of the new rules is to improve transparency in the jewellery display and protect consumers. Buying precious items is a significant purchase, often associated with gift-giving, family history, and lasting value. That’s why buyers should see clear and trustworthy information about a gemstone’s origin to make an informed decision. These approved changes aim to make relationships between jewellery sellers and consumers more honest and transparent,” noted Alexey Moiseev, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation.