BIS Introduces New National Standard for Diamond Terminology

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified a new framework under IS 19469:2025 to standardise how diamonds and diamond alternatives are described across India. The update aims to reduce misleading claims and improve clarity for buyers, especially in online marketplaces where inconsistent terminology had created confusion.

The new rules align with ISO 18323:2015 and introduce uniform disclosure requirements for both natural and laboratory‑grown diamonds. Industry groups have said these changes will help consumers make informed choices by ensuring accurate and consistent product descriptions at the point of sale.

Introduction Of Uniform Definitions For Natural Diamonds

The BIS framework mandates that the term diamond without any qualifier may be used only for natural diamonds. This ensures that buyers are not misled by vague or ambiguous descriptions during purchase.

Sellers may accompany the word diamond with descriptors such as natural, real, genuine or precious, provided these refer only to mined stones. The rule removes the possibility of natural diamonds being confused with alternative products due to unclear labelling.

Mandatory Terminology For Laboratory‑Grown Diamonds

Man‑made diamonds must now be described strictly as laboratory‑grown diamond or laboratory‑created diamond. Short forms such as LGD or lab-grown will not be allowed in formal product disclosures, reducing the risk of incomplete or misleading abbreviations.

The new terminology guidelines are intended to ensure that buyers clearly understand that these stones are manufactured rather than mined. The rules create a clear distinction between different diamond categories for transparency across markets.

Restrictions On Misleading Terms and Branding Practices

The framework prohibits the use of terms such as pure, nature’s, earth‑friendly or cultured for laboratory‑grown diamonds. These descriptors are considered potentially misleading because they imply natural origins or environmental attributes that do not apply to man‑made stones.

Brand names for laboratory‑grown diamonds must also include the required qualifier to comply with disclosure norms. These measures aim to strengthen consumer protection by eliminating marketing language that blurs distinctions between natural and laboratory‑grown products.

Read More: Best Lab-Grown Diamond Stocks in January.

Conclusion

The introduction of IS 19469:2025 marks an important shift toward clearer, stricter and more transparent standards for diamond classification in India. The framework’s alignment with global norms and its detailed terminology requirements are expected to reduce consumer confusion, especially in online sales.

As the jewellery industry adapts to these rules, buyers will receive more reliable information on the nature and origin of diamonds. The BIS guidelines are likely to influence long‑term marketing practices, ensuring greater accuracy across the entire diamond ecosystem.

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