CIBJO to Exclusively Use "Synthetic" for Man-Made Gemstones

The World Jewellery Confederation, CIBJO, has announced a crucial update to its Gemstone Blue Book. From September 2026, the organization will discontinue using the terms "laboratory grown" and "laboratory created" when referring to human-made gemstones. Instead, "synthetic" will become the exclusive and official descriptor.

This decision, detailed in a comprehensive report by Charles Abouchar, head of CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Commission, follows a year of extensive discussions among commission members. The group concluded that existing terms such as "laboratory grown" and "laboratory created," which gained traction within the synthetic diamond sector and were adopted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, failed to accurately convey the nature of these products. Conversely, the term "synthetic" was deemed to offer unambiguous clarity.

By September 2026, the updated Blue Book will formally define "synthetic" as "artificial products having essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and structure as that of their naturally occurring counterparts." These revised standards are slated for presentation at the CIBJO Congress, commencing on September 4th in Vicenza, Italy. This shift aligns with recent similar terminology updates implemented by various international bodies, including the Russian government, the African Diamond Producers Association, the Bureau of Indian Standards, and the Gemological Institute of America.

The move by CIBJO to standardize terminology underscores a commitment to transparency and precision within the jewelry industry. By adopting a clear and consistent term like "synthetic," the organization aims to enhance consumer confidence and ensure that the characteristics of gemstones, whether natural or man-made, are communicated with utmost accuracy. This proactive approach not only reflects a global trend towards clearer disclosure but also reinforces the integrity of the gemstone market, fostering trust and clarity for both businesses and consumers alike.