New BIS Rules: What Can and Can't Be Called a Diamond

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced a new framework to standardize diamond descriptions, enhancing consumer protection and transparency in jewelry purchases.
• The new standard, IS 19469:2025, distinguishes clearly between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds, addressing inconsistent terminology in the industry.
• The term 'diamond' without qualifiers will now exclusively refer to natural diamonds; sellers can use descriptors like 'natural', 'real', 'genuine', or 'precious'.
• Laboratory-grown alternatives must be disclosed using full terms like 'laboratory-grown diamond' or 'laboratory-created diamond', with abbreviations no longer permitted.
• Misleading language such as 'nature's', 'pure', 'earth-friendly', or 'cultured' is banned for laboratory-grown products, and brand names alone are insufficient disclosure.

Why It Matters: New BIS rules standardize diamond terminology, ensuring transparency and protecting consumers by clearly defining natural vs. lab-grown diamonds.