WFDB Chief Mehul Shah Pushes Local-Language Diamond Declarations

SURAT : Clear consumer disclosure, rather than a prolonged debate over whether the industry should use the terms “lab-grown” or “synthetic” diamonds, should be the priority, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President Mehul Shah said during a meeting in Italy.

Speaking at a closed-door meeting held alongside the CIBJO Centenary Congress during the ongoing Vicenzaoro jewellery exhibition, Shah called on industry bodies and governments to introduce simple, clearly understood declarations in local languages for diamonds produced through laboratory processes.

“Our key agenda should be consumer awareness and protection. Instead of spending time on the usage of ‘lab-grown’ or ‘synthetic’ as terminologies, let us focus on ‘One Line Declarations’,” Shah said.

He stressed that the diamond trade cannot enforce regulations independently and urged industry associations to jointly approach governments to establish appropriate consumer disclosures.

“We are not above any governments as only respective governments can enforce rules,” Shah said, calling for local-language declarations that could eventually be implemented across global markets.

Shah, who has also been appointed a CIBJO Director, said terminology has little value if consumers do not understand it. He pointed out that people unfamiliar with English may not fully comprehend phrases such as “Synthetic Diamonds” or “Lab-Grown Diamonds”.

“Terminology is meaningful only when it is understood, accepted and implemented by everyone,” he said, emphasising the need for communication that reaches manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.

He cited familiar warning and disclosure labels used on cigarette packets and liquor products as examples of how governments can communicate important information directly to consumers.

Shah also proposed that grading certificates issued by domestic and international entities should carry relevant “Lab-Grown” or “Synthetic” terminology in local languages.

Separately, he suggested creating a “Natural Diamond Mark”, similar in concept to the globally recognised Woolmark certification, to clearly identify diamonds that are exclusively natural.

According to Shah, such a mark could strengthen consumer confidence, improve transparency and reduce confusion between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds.