CIBJO Adopts “Synthetic” as the Sole Term for Man-Made Gem Materials
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has announced the removal of the terms “Laboratory-Grown” and “Laboratory-Created” from its Blue Books, the international terminology standards for the gem and jewellery industry. The term “Synthetic” will instead be adopted as the primary terminology.
Background to the Decision
Following the 100th-anniversary CIBJO Congress in Vicenza, Italy, the CIBJO Executive Committee met on 7 September 2026 and approved proposals from the Diamond Commission and Coloured Stone Commission to revise the Blue Books.
Under the proposed revisions, the term “Synthetic” will refer to man-made products that have the same chemical composition, physical properties and structure as their natural gemstone counterparts.
Why the Change?
CIBJO has been reviewing this issue for more than a year, concluding that the terms “Laboratory-Grown” and “Laboratory-Created” do not accurately reflect the nature of these products, while “Synthetic” provides clearer and less ambiguous terminology.
Charles Abouchar, President of CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Commission, stated that the ultimate goal is to maintain consumer confidence through clear language and transparent information. The change is expected to improve market clarity and help consumers receive accurate information.
A Global Shift Towards Consistent Terminology
CIBJO’s decision aligns with developments among several major organizations and regulatory authorities:
▪️ Russian Government: Requires laboratory-grown diamonds in jewellery to be referred to as “Synthetic” and their weight to be stated in grams rather than carats.
▪️ African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA): Announced similar guidelines in May.
▪️ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Introduced rules that clearly distinguish synthetic diamonds from natural diamonds.
▪️ Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Updated its terminology for synthetic gemstones in 2025.
What Should the Industry Know?
CIBJO acknowledges that some countries still permit the use of “Laboratory-Grown” and “Laboratory-Created” in marketing, and that national laws and regulations take precedence. Nevertheless, CIBJO recommends using “Synthetic” in international communications as the clearest terminology.
Implications for Thailand’s Gem and Jewellery Industry
Thai gem and jewellery businesses should closely monitor this development, as it may affect terminology used in gem certificates, product labels and customer communications, particularly in export markets.
Sources: Rapaport News and CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation
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