CIBJO to Adopt ‘Synthetic’ as Standard Term for Man-Made Gemstones from September 2026

Date: 27 July 2026

The language used to describe lab-grown diamonds and other man-made gemstones is set for a significant shift following a decision by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) to standardise terminology across the global jewellery industry.

At its upcoming congress in September 2026, CIBJO is expected to formally remove the terms “laboratory grown” and “laboratory created” from its internationally recognised Blue Book, replacing them with “synthetic” as the preferred term for gemstones created through artificial processes.

According to CIBJO, the decision follows more than a year of consultation and reflects the organisation’s commitment to clearer communication with consumers. The federation concluded that terms such as “laboratory grown” and “laboratory created” do not accurately describe the products they are intended to identify, whereas the word “synthetic” provides a more precise and unambiguous description.

“The ultimate goal remains protecting consumer confidence through the adoption of clear and descriptive language that transparently informs,” said Charles Abouchar, President of CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Commission.

Under the revised terminology, the word “synthetic” will apply to artificial gemstones that possess essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and crystal structure as their naturally occurring counterparts.

The proposed revision follows a series of similar developments across the global diamond industry. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced updated terminology to distinguish synthetic diamonds from natural diamonds, while the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) revised its own nomenclature in 2025. More recently, both the Russian government and the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) also moved towards adopting “synthetic” as the preferred industry term.

If approved during the CIBJO Congress, the revised terminology will become effective from September 2026.

Policy & Standards

Few issues have generated as much debate within the jewellery industry in recent years as the language used to describe lab-grown diamonds.

While technological advances have transformed how diamonds can be produced, terminology remains central to consumer understanding and confidence. Industry organisations around the world are increasingly seeking language that clearly distinguishes synthetic products from naturally formed gemstones without creating ambiguity at the point of sale.

CIBJO’s proposed revision is therefore more than a change in vocabulary. It represents an ongoing effort to establish globally consistent standards at a time when the natural and synthetic diamond sectors continue to evolve.

Whether other organisations and markets ultimately align with this terminology will be closely watched, but the direction of travel is becoming increasingly clear: transparency is emerging as one of the defining principles of the modern jewellery industry.

Source: World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). Edited by the Jewellers Digest editorial team for clarity, style and context.