India’s New Diamond Rule: Why Only a Natural Diamond Can Be Called a “Diamond”

For years, Indian consumers shopping for diamond jewellery—especially online—have faced a confusing maze of terms. Words like lab-grown, cultured, real, or eco-friendly have often blurred the line between natural diamonds and their laboratory-created alternatives. Without a single, enforceable standard, many buyers were left uncertain about what they were actually purchasing.

That ambiguity is now set to end.

A Clear Standard from BIS

In a major step toward transparency, the Bureau of Indian Standards has adopted IS 19469:2025, a modified version of ISO 18323:2015 – Jewellery: Consumer Confidence in the Diamond Industry.

The new standard establishes one simple but powerful rule: only a natural diamond can be called a “diamond.”

– The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the National Standards Body of India.

Welcoming the move, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) described the standard as a long-awaited framework that strengthens consumer protection and builds trust across India’s vast gem and jewellery market.

What This Means for Consumers

The BIS standard brings clarity at every stage of a diamond purchase. Here’s how it affects buyers:

1. The Definition of “Diamond.”

When the word “diamond” is used on its own, it now refers exclusively to a natural diamond. Retailers may use descriptors such as natural, real, genuine, or precious—but the core term remains reserved for diamonds formed by nature.

2. Mandatory Disclosure for Laboratory-Grown Stones

Man-made alternatives must always be disclosed using only the full terms:

laboratory-grown diamond
laboratory-created diamond

Shortened or casual expressions like LGD, lab-grown, or lab-diamond are no longer acceptable in formal communication or disclosure.

3. Misleading Language Is Out

The standard explicitly bans marketing terms such as “nature’s,” “pure,” “earth-friendly,” or “cultured” for laboratory-grown products. Even using brand names alone—without the approved laboratory-grown qualifier—is considered insufficient disclosure.

Industry Voices Welcome the Change

According to Richa Singh, Managing Director of the Natural Diamond Council, the new rule is fundamentally about consumer trust:

“When someone buys a diamond, they deserve to know exactly what it is—clearly, honestly, and without confusion. Defining what can be called a diamond strengthens trust and protects the value of a truly natural diamond.”

Jewellery leaders from across India have echoed this sentiment.

Tarun Kanwar of Navrattan Jewellers emphasised that transparency is the backbone of the trade, while Vaibhav Saraf noted that the exclusive use of the word ‘diamond’ for natural stones ensures fairness and informed choice.

Calling the standard a milestone, Gaurav Anand said it places consumers at the heart of the diamond ecosystem, helping retailers build lasting trust. From West India, Sunil Datwani added that transparency is not optional—and the BIS guidelines give the industry much-needed direction.

Why This Matters

Diamonds are not just financial purchases; they carry deep emotional value, often marking life’s most important moments. By removing ambiguity and misleading terminology, the new BIS standard empowers consumers to make confident, informed decisions—and protects the integrity of natural diamonds in the process.

The Natural Diamond Council has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Indian authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of IS 19469:2025. Together, these efforts signal a more transparent, trustworthy future for India’s diamond jewellery market.

Natural Diamond Council

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC), headquartered at 28 West 44th Street in New York City, operates globally with major offices in London, Shanghai, and Mumbai. Together, these offices coordinate the organization’s worldwide promotional and educational initiatives for natural diamonds.

As a leading authority on natural diamonds, the NDC offers trusted resources, expert education, and inspiring content through its Only Natural Diamonds platform, powered by its international network of offices and members.

“Only a natural diamond can now be called a diamond—bringing clarity, confidence, and consumer protection.”

“When a consumer buys a diamond, they deserve absolute clarity—this standard ensures that a diamond is exactly what it claims to be.”