Key Highlights
- Mehul Shah addressed a closed-door meeting during the CIBJO Centenary Congress at Vicenzaoro.
- He urged governments to introduce local-language declarations for laboratory-grown and synthetic diamonds.
- He said consumer awareness should take priority over terminology debates.
- He called for grading certificates to include local-language terminology.
- He proposed a “Natural Diamond Mark” similar to the Woolmark certification.
- He emphasised collaboration between governments and trade bodies for globally implementable consumer-awareness measures.
World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President and newly appointed CIBJO Director Mehul Shah has urged governments and global trade bodies to adopt local-language declarations for “Laboratory Grown Diamond” and “Synthetic Diamond” terminology, arguing that consumer awareness should take precedence over debates surrounding terminology itself.
Speaking during a closed-door meeting held in connection with the CIBJO Centenary Congress at the ongoing Vicenzaoro jewellery exhibition in Italy, Shah said the industry’s collective focus should shift towards ensuring that consumers understand product declarations in the languages they use every day.
Mehul Shah said:
“Our key agenda should be consumer awareness and protection. Every region or country has its own language under which various terminologies are used. Instead of spending time on the usage of “lab grown” or “synthetic” as terminologies, let us focus on “One Line Declarations.”
He further added:
“We are not above any governments as only respective governments can enforce rules. I urge all trade bodies come together, and appeal to governments in the interest of consumers to prescribe declarations in local language related to terminologies concerning lab grown or synthetic diamonds that can be globally implemented.
Consumer awareness should come first
Highlighting the importance of clear communication, Shah said consumers, jewellers, retailers and traders should be educated through declarations written in their own local languages, rather than relying solely on English terminology.
Mehul Shah said:
“A person who does not understand English may not fully grasp terms such as ‘Synthetic Diamonds’ or ‘Lab-Grown Diamonds.’ Terminology is meaningful only when it is understood, accepted and implemented by everyone. It must be communicated in a manner that is clear and easily understood by the people who are expected to use it.”
Drawing comparisons with familiar consumer declarations, he cited warnings on cigarette packs and alcohol labels, arguing that similar local-language disclosures for laboratory-grown or synthetic diamonds would improve transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
He said global terminology should be complemented by local-language education and communication so that manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers receive the same level of clarity across different markets.
Local-language terminology on grading certificates
Shah also suggested that grading certificates issued by both domestic and international organisations should carry the terms “Lab grown” or “Synthetic” in local languages, making them easier for retailers and consumers to understand.
Proposal for a “Natural Diamond Mark”
In another key proposal, Shah suggested introducing a “Natural Diamond Mark”, drawing a parallel with the globally recognised Woolmark certification.
He said such a mark would clearly identify diamonds that are exclusively natural while strengthening consumer confidence, improving transparency and reducing confusion in the marketplace.
The proposals reflect a broader call for governments, trade organisations and industry stakeholders to work together on practical consumer-awareness measures that can be consistently implemented across international markets.
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