The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formally adopted IS 19469:2025, a national standard that establishes uniform terminology and disclosure requirements for diamonds and their alternatives in the Indian gem and jewellery industry.

The standard is a modified adoption of ISO 18323:2015 – Jewellery: Consumer Confidence in the Diamond Industry, and addresses the long-standing use of inconsistent and ambiguous terms for diamonds, particularly across digital platforms and e-commerce channels. The absence of clear guidance had led to uneven disclosure practices and consumer confusion.

Under IS 19469:2025, the term “diamond” may be used only for natural diamonds, with the word used alone always implying a natural origin. Traders may use descriptors such as “natural,” “real,” “genuine,” or “precious” when referring to natural diamonds. Terms such as “mined diamond” or “earth-mined diamond” are not permitted under the standard.

For laboratory-grown diamonds, the standard mandates explicit and immediate disclosure at all times. Only the terms “laboratory-grown diamond” or “laboratory-created diamond” may be used commercially. The use of promotional or misleading descriptors such as “nature’s,” “earth-friendly,” “conflict-free,” “pure,” or “cultured” is expressly prohibited. The term “synthetic diamond” may be used in commercial or import-export documentation where required under applicable laws.

Welcoming the move, Richa Singh of Natural Diamond Council said, “Clear, consistent terminology is essential to maintaining trust. By eliminating ambiguity and mandating full disclosure, these standards protect industry integrity and ensure consumers can confidently distinguish between a natural diamond and a laboratory-grown diamond.”

The Natural Diamond Council stated it will continue working with BIS, regulators, and trade bodies to support effective implementation and enforcement of the standard.