Is your diamond lab-grown? BIS shifts official label to ‘laboratory-created’

Surat | Gujarat —  In a clear distinction between ‘lab grown diamond’ and ‘natural diamond’, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched a new IS 19469:2025, an adoption of the modified version of “ISO 18323:2015 – Jewellery – Consumer Confidence in the Diamond Industry”, in an endeavour to strengthen consumer trust, ensure clarity in nomenclature, and align India’s diamond trade with international guidelines.

In India, the terms “laboratory-grown diamond” and “laboratory-created diamond” will be used, while misleading or outdated descriptions such as “fake,” or “artificial” for such stones will cease to exist. The standard also mandates full disclosure of treatments and provides clear definitions to prevent consumer confusion. The new standards also state that abbreviations such as “lab grown”, “lab created” “lab diamond” or “LGD” shall not be used.

India is fast emerging as the world’s most important jewellery consumption market after the U.S and China with the approximate jewellery sales to the tune of $80-85 billion in FY24. According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the Indian jewellery sector is projected to increase to $225-245 billion by FY35. 

Diamond jewellery has become the most rapidly growing segment in India. The country has become the second-largest diamond jewellery market in the world after the U.S., and overtaking China with the estimated market size of around $10 billion. The diamond jewellery segment is projected to double up by 2030, with the rising consumer aspirations and increasing peneration beyond traditional metropolitan markets. 

Importantly, the standard clarifies that the term “diamond” refers only to natural diamonds, while laboratory-grown diamonds must be clearly disclosed using approved terminology.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said: “We thank BIS for launching the new standard aligned with globally harmonised framework for diamonds. This standard will enhance consumer confidence and credibility in both natural and laboratory-grown diamond segments. This is a major step forward in ensuring India’s diamond trade continues to lead the world with integrity and transparency.”

Bhansali further added, “GJEPC has been at the forefront of advocating clarity and fairness in diamond nomenclature. This collaboration between BIS, GJEPC, and industry stakeholders has ensured that consumers are protected and that the trade operates under uniform, internationally recognised definitions.”

The notification will serve as a definitive reference for jewellers, traders, laboratories, and consumer protection authorities across India.