The French government has upheld a directive that requires the trade to label diamonds grown in a lab as “synthetic.”
The Ministry of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty denied politician Olivia Grégoire’s request to amend a 2002 decree and to allow these goods to be called lab-grown diamonds, it said in a recent statement. Nearly 40 industry members and organizations voted on the matter, with most stakeholders in support of maintaining the current guidelines.
Grégoire, who asked for the change in March, claimed that the “synthetic” moniker, with its negative connotations, could hurt the high-end jewelry segment, while lab-grown was a more positive label.
However, stating that there had been no recent material legal, economic, or technological developments that would necessitate changing the terminology, the ministry said it saw no need to reopen the debate.
“As it stands, the content of this text reconciles the general interest, which lies in particular in communicating useful, transparent and relevant information to the consumer on products, so that they can make their purchasing decision in full knowledge of the facts, eliminating the risks of confusion and deception,” the ministry stated.
The government stressed its commitment to “the industrial sector of synthetic diamonds, which have their place on the market, alongside natural diamonds from mines.” The “synthetic” descriptor applies to all gemstones and pearls, meaning diamonds can’t be treated differently from rubies, emeralds or other stones, the ministry added.
Image: A rough lab-grown diamond. (Shutterstock)
