CIBJO Moves to Scrap Laboratory Grown Term from Diamond Guidelines

Gems News: Industry Body Revisits Controversial 2010 Decision

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has announced its intention to reconsider its 2010 resolution that permitted the use of “laboratory-grown” and “laboratory-created” as acceptable substitutes for the word “synthetic.” According to industry leaders, the terms are misleading, blur the boundaries between natural and manufactured diamonds, and could negatively affect sales of mined stones. The subject will be formally discussed at CIBJO’s 2025 Congress, scheduled for October 27 to 29 in Paris. This Gems News report comes at a time when global diamond demand has slowed, production has decreased, and natural diamond prices have taken a hit.

CIBJO plans to drop the term “laboratory grown” from official diamond guidelines at its 2025 Congress in Paris.
Image Credit: StockShots

Calls For Clearer Boundaries

Udi Sheintal, president of CIBJO’s Diamond Commission, emphasized that the industry is currently at a crossroads. He noted that restoring consumer confidence depends on drawing a sharper line between natural and synthetic diamonds. “Our trade is going through major transformation,” Sheintal said. “Consumers need transparency and integrity. Reestablishing clearer definitions is essential for the long-term survival of the natural diamond sector.”

CIBJO’s earlier resolution was adopted at its 2010 Congress in Munich, Germany, allowing more consumer-friendly terms for synthetics. However, with new market pressures, many within the industry argue that the decision has created confusion rather than clarity.

Debate Over Grading Systems

Beyond terminology, CIBJO also intends to address whether the 4Cs grading system should apply exclusively to natural diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently announced it would stop grading lab-grown diamonds using the same criteria. In contrast, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) has doubled down on its policy of grading both natural and lab-grown stones alike. This divergence has raised industry tensions, with critics saying that treating synthetics like mined diamonds diminishes the value of natural gems.

The introduction of lab-grown diamonds was one of the worse occurrences in the history and the gems and jewelry industry
Image Credit: StockShots

Push For Greater Transparency

A central part of the new proposal involves enhancing consumer transparency. Sheintal stressed that synthetic diamonds are not grown or created in laboratories but rather manufactured in large industrial facilities through artificial processes. CIBJO believes marketing must reflect this reality to prevent consumer misconceptions. “It is timely and necessary that we reflect on our past decisions,” Sheintal said. “We must recognize where mistakes were made and move toward a more transparent and responsible future.”

The push to change terminology is expected to stir significant debate at the Paris Congress, with both supporters and opponents voicing strong opinions.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

If approved, the move to eliminate “laboratory-grown” from official terminology could have wide-reaching implications for manufacturers, retailers, and certification bodies. Proponents believe it will safeguard the prestige of natural diamonds and help stabilize prices, while critics argue it may alienate younger consumers more open to lab-created gems. Either way, the upcoming discussions are likely to be closely watched, as the outcome could redefine global diamond marketing for the next decade.

The initiative highlights the growing urgency within the diamond sector to protect natural stones from market dilution while adapting to shifting consumer behaviors. With major players divided, the results of CIBJO’s deliberations in Paris may set the tone for future regulations, marketing strategies, and trade ethics. The decisions made could influence how consumers perceive the value and authenticity of diamonds worldwide for many years to come.

For the latest on the garbage lab-grown diamonds that should really be labelled simply as fake diamonds, keep on logging to Gems News.