The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced the IS 19469:2025 standard to regulate diamond descriptions across India’s jewellery market. This new framework aligns with the global ISO 18323:2015 standard and aims to eliminate confusion by clearly distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown ones.
Under the new rules, the term “diamond” can only be used without qualifiers for natural diamonds. laboratory-grown diamonds must be explicitly labelled as “laboratory-grown diamond” or “laboratory-created diamond.” Terms such as “LGD” or “lab-grown” in abbreviated form are prohibited in formal product descriptions. Additionally, marketing phrases like “pure,” “nature’s,” “earth-friendly,” or “cultured” are banned when referring to lab-grown diamonds.
This move is designed to prevent misleading claims, especially in online jewellery sales where inconsistent terminology has caused consumer confusion. The standard also requires that brand names clearly disclose if the product is a laboratory-grown diamond to comply with these guidelines.
Industry experts and bodies such as the Natural Diamond Council have welcomed the BIS standard, noting that it introduces enforceable definitions that enhance consumer trust and market transparency. Namita Kothari, Founder of Akoirah by Augmont, highlighted that the rules will help consumers make informed choices without changing the inherent qualities of laboratory-grown diamonds.
The implementation of these rules is expected to standardise diamond descriptions across retail stores and e-commerce platforms, enabling buyers to confidently identify diamond types before purchase. This clarity allows brands to focus on design and craftsmanship rather than ambiguous or misleading claims.
Jewellers and online marketplaces will need to update their product labelling and marketing materials to comply with the new BIS standard, marking a significant step towards greater transparency in India’s diamond and jewellery sector.
