The recent ruling made by the French government regarding the terminology used to describe diamonds has the potential to bring the long-standing dispute to a resolution. This ruling is expected to provide a clear solution to the semantic battle that has been ongoing within the industry. Under the new ruling, the terms ‘laboratory diamond’ and ‘cultivated diamond’ will no longer be accepted in France. Instead, the industry will be required to use the term ‘synthetic’ to designate diamonds that are man-made or lab-grown.
The basis for this ruling can be traced back to a law that was passed in 2002, which stated that the term ‘diamond’ could only be used to refer to natural diamonds in France. As a result, French retailers were mandated to use the term ‘synthetic’ for stones that were wholly or partially man-made. The use of the term ‘laboratory diamond’ was only permitted outside of France.
In response to a request from a company involved in synthetic diamonds, France’s Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud initiated a consultation to determine whether the law should be revised. Ultimately, at the end of 2023, the Ministry for the economy, finance, and industrial and digital sovereignty confirmed that the January 14, 2002 decree would remain valid.
The decision to uphold the current law has been well-received by Collectif Diamant, a French organization representing the industry’s leading players and associations. They stress the importance of adhering to international laws and national regulations when it comes to the commercialization of diamonds. The industry is dedicated to safeguarding the reputation of natural diamonds and emphasizing the distinction between authentic diamonds and synthetic ones. While the term ‘synthetic’ is considered less favorable compared to ‘laboratory diamond’, the industry aims to protect the reputation of natural diamonds.
This semantic dispute holds significant importance for diamond producers who are facing increased competition within the jewelry sector. The rising popularity of lab-produced synthetic diamonds, which are often marketed as a more sustainable option, is a driving force behind this competition. Even luxury brands like Fred, owned by LVMH, have begun incorporating synthetic diamonds into their collections.
As the ruling of the French government comes into effect, the diamond industry will need to adjust its terminology in order to comply with the regulations. The use of the terms ‘cultivated diamond’ and ‘laboratory diamond’ will no longer be allowed in France, and the industry will exclusively use the term ‘synthetic’ to describe man-made or lab-grown diamonds. This decision is a significant step towards clarifying the language surrounding diamonds and protecting the reputation of natural diamonds in the market.
Links:
– Rapaport Auctions
– Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
