Since 2002, a decree in France has listed ‘synthetic’ as the only acceptable qualifier for lab-created diamonds. This means that lab-created diamonds can be sold as ‘diamant de synthese’ or ‘synthetique’ and not ‘diamant de laboratoire’ or ‘diamant de culture’.
French politician Olivia Grégoire requested an amendment to the law in March, suggesting that the ‘synthetic’ moniker has negative connotations and damages jewellery sales.
The Ministry of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty has rejected the demand for an amendment following consultation with around 40 industry stakeholders and organisations. According to a statement, the majority of stakeholders supported maintaining the status quo.
“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 statement explained.
“It should be noted that this decree applies to all gemstones and pearls without distinction and cannot treat the case of diamonds differently from that of rubies or emeralds, for example.
“Furthermore, from an ecological perspective, the claim that the production of synthetic diamonds is more virtuous than that of diamonds from mines is controversial, particularly due to the highly energy-intensive processes of the industrial facilities used to produce synthetic diamonds (which cannot simply be manufactured in laboratories).”
This directive was previously unsuccessfully challenged in October 2023. At the time, a lab-created diamond trader lodged a request with the ministry to modify the law; however, following industry consultation, it was determined it would be upheld.
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