Are you using the Diamond Terminology Guideline?

We think every player of mined diamonds hasto use the terminology to address natural & to differentiate Synthetics!Diamond Producers Association in full support of the ‘Diamond Terminology Guideline’to align terminology for diamonds and synthetic diamonds!

The Diamond Producers Association (DPA) fully endorses the Diamond Terminology Guideline presented by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Federation. The Diamond Terminology Guideline was developed by nine of the leading diamond industry organisations that include, AWDC, CIBJO, DPA, GJEPC, IDI, IDMA, USJC, WDC and WFDBto encourage full, fair and effective use of a clear and accessible terminology for diamonds and synthetics diamonds by all sector bodies, organisations, traders and retailers.

DPA’s Chairman Stephen Lussier states, “The Diamond Producers Association fully supports the introduction of the Diamond Terminology Guideline. Consumers’ ability to trust the integrity of our product is directly connected to their desire for diamonds. Through accessible and unambiguous language throughout the supply chain, we will protect consumer confidence and reduce the potential for confusion.”

Jean-Marc Lieberherr, CEO of DPA states, “Ever greater industry alignment and collaboration is central to the success of our sector. The Diamond Terminology Guideline is a great illustration of how such collaboration can bring clarity and transparency to the diamond pipeline.”

The Diamond Terminology Guideline:

The Diamond Terminology Guideline serves as the industry’s universally accepted reference document when referring to diamonds and synthetic diamonds. The guideline is built on two internationally accepted standards: the ISO 18323 Standard (Jewellery – Consumer confidence in the diamond industry) and the CIBJO Diamond Blue Book.

Nine of the leading diamond industry organisations have developed the present guideline to encourage full, fair and effective use of a clear and accessible terminologyfor diamonds, synthetics diamonds and imitations of diamonds by all sector bodies, organisations and traders.

Definitions:

1: A diamond is a mineral created by nature; a “diamond” always means a natural diamond.

2: A synthetic diamond is an artificial product that has essentially the same physical characteristics as adiamond.

3: An imitation diamond, also named a diamond simulant, is an artificial product that imitates the appearanceof diamonds without having their chemical composition, physical properties or structure.

4: A gemstone is a mineral of natural origin that is used in jewellery for reasons of combined beauty,rarenessand intrinsic value.

Terminology:

1: When referring to synthetic diamonds:

A: Use one of the following authorised qualifiers when referring to synthetic diamonds: “synthetic”,“laboratory-grown” or “laboratory-created”.

B: Do not use abbreviations such as “lab-grown” and “lab-created”.

C: Do not use the following terms: “cultured diamonds” and “cultivated diamonds” as “cultured” and“cultivated” refer exclusively to organic/biogenic products.

D:Do not use the following terms: “real”, “genuine”, “precious”, “authentic” and “natural” as those applyexclusively to natural minerals and gemstones.

Recommendation:

1: A diamond is natural by definition. Therefore, use the word “diamond” without a qualifier when referring toa diamond. If differentiation from synthetic diamonds is required, use the term “natural diamonds” as termof equivalent meaning.

2: Do not use the following confusing expressions: “natural treated diamonds” and “treated natural diamonds”.

Instead, simply use “treated diamonds”.

When and where to use the diamond terminology guideline:

The leadership of AWDC, CIBJO, DPA, GJEPC, IDI, IDMA, USJC, WDC and WFDB strongly recommend all traders,sector bodies and other organisations to comply with the guideline on all documents, websites and othermeans of communication that are intended to e.g. sell, buy and promote diamonds, synthetic diamonds,gemstones, gemmological laboratory reports, diamond jewellery and synthetic diamond jewellery.