Russia introduces strict labeling rules for lab-grown diamonds to enhance consumer transparency and distinguish synthetics from natural stones.

Russian regulations mandate labeling lab-grown diamonds as 'synthetic' and require weight to be stated in grams, not carats.
Descriptive terms associated with natural diamonds, such as 'precious,' 'genuine,' and 'natural,' are banned for synthetic jewelry.
The new rules, effective September 1, align with recent global moves by India, France, and ADPA to regulate synthetic diamond terminology.

Rapaport Trade Insight: Russia’s strict labeling rules reinforce the natural diamond sector’s effort to maintain clear market distinctions and protect consumer trust.

The Russian Federation has issued new guidelines for synthetic diamonds, to distinguish more clearly between lab-grown and natural stones.

Lab-grown diamonds set in jewelry should be labeled “synthetic” as well as state the weight in grams rather than carats, the federation said recently. The government also banned describing synthetics using qualitative and color attributes often linked to natural stones.

The word “diamond” will apply only to jewelry that comprises a natural stone. Additionally, terms such as “precious,” “real,” “genuine,” “natural,” “mineral,” “eco-friendly” or any similar words cannot be used in connection with synthetic jewels.

In January, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued new terminology regulations for lab-grown diamonds, to avoid misleading consumers. The French government rolled out standards at the beginning of 2024 requiring that man-made diamonds be labeled as synthetic. Last month, the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) approved restrictions for lab-grown descriptors.

Russia’s new guidelines will take effect September 1.

Image: Synthetic diamonds. (Shutterstock)

Courtesy: Rapaport