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New Delhi: India has introduced a new terminology framework for diamonds, bringing a major change to how these precious stones are described and sold in the jewellery market. The Bureau of Indian Standards, or BIS, has announced that only natural diamonds can now be called “diamond” without any qualification. The new rule aims to remove confusion between natural stones and laboratory-grown alternatives, especially in online sales where descriptions often vary widely. Until now, inconsistent terms such as “lab diamond” or shortened abbreviations created uncertainty for buyers who could not easily distinguish between natural and manufactured stones.

Under the new system, laboratory-created diamonds must be clearly described using the full terms “laboratory-grown diamond” or “laboratory-created diamond”. The change is expected to bring greater transparency to jewellery marketing while helping consumers make more informed purchase decisions. Here are the details.

New BIS standard clarifies diamond terminology. Natural diamond

Under the new framework, the standalone term “diamond” now applies only to natural diamonds formed within the earth over millions of years. Sellers may still use descriptors such as natural, real, genuine, or precious, but these are optional when referring to a naturally formed diamond.

Laboratory-grown diamond

Diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments must now be clearly labelled using the full terms “laboratory-grown diamond” or “laboratory-created diamond”. This rule ensures that buyers are fully aware when a diamond has been produced artificially rather than mined from the earth.

No short forms allowed

The new standard strictly prohibits abbreviated terms such as LGD, lab-grown, or lab diamond in formal disclosures. These shortened expressions were widely used across digital platforms and jewellery listings, often leading to confusion among consumers.

Misleading descriptions banned

The framework also restricts the use of certain promotional terms for lab-created stones. Words such as nature’s, pure, earth-friendly, or cultured cannot be used, as they may suggest a natural origin or create misleading impressions.

Brand name disclosure rules

Jewellery brands selling laboratory-grown diamonds must include the approved terminology in product descriptions. Using only a brand name without clearly stating “laboratory-grown diamond” will no longer meet disclosure requirements.

The new diamond terminology framework is expected to bring clarity to India’s jewellery market by ensuring that buyers can easily distinguish between natural and laboratory-created stones. With stricter naming rules and clearer disclosures, the move aims to strengthen consumer trust while improving transparency across the industry.