UPDATE FOR THE TRADE

October 2026

Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Brilliant Innovation or a Grey Market in the Making?

The lab-grown diamond market has moved from novelty to mainstream faster than many in the industry anticipated. Natural and lab-grown diamonds now sit side by side in showcases across Australia, yet the difference may not always be immediately clear to consumers. This can be even more challenging when shopping online, where customers rely heavily on product descriptions, images and marketing materials. At the same time, lab-grown diamond prices have declined significantly in recent years, prompting wider discussions around rarity, resale value and long-term price stability. For Australian jewellers, clear and consistent communication around lab-grown diamonds is becoming an increasingly relevant industry conversation.

The Importance of Clear Labelling

The conversation often starts with language. Terms such as “eco diamond,” “ethical diamond,” “conflict-free diamond” and “cultured diamond” are increasingly used in marketing, but they may not immediately tell consumers that they are looking at a laboratory-grown rather than a mined diamond. Online, this distinction can be even less obvious if the lab-grown information is less prominent than other product features.

Independent grading laboratories such as GIA, IGI, HRD Antwerp and GCAL can identify whether a diamond is laboratory-grown or natural in their reports. However, a report is only one part of the customer journey. Consumers may not know what to look for, particularly when the report contains familiar information such as the 4Cs. Clear disclosure at the point of sale — whether in-store, online, in advertising or during a sales conversation — remains important in helping customers understand exactly what they are purchasing.

CIBJO Update on Terminology

In September 2026, CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation) approved a recommendation that its Diamond and Coloured Stone Blue Books be revised so that “synthetic” is the sole descriptor used to scientifically define a created product that has the same chemical composition, physical properties and structure as its naturally occurring counterpart.

CIBJO acknowledged that terms such as “laboratory-grown” and “laboratory- created” are accepted consumer marketing terms in some jurisdictions, and importantly noted that national laws and regulations take precedence. However, when communicating to an international audience, CIBJO recommends “synthetic” as the most unambiguous term of description.

For Australian jewellers, this is an important development to be aware of as international terminology continues to evolve. While businesses must continue to ensure their terminology and representations comply with Australian Consumer Law and applicable Australian requirements, the CIBJO recommendation reinforces the broader importance of using clear and unambiguous language so consumers understand whether a diamond is natural or created in a laboratory.

What Does This Mean for Australian Jewellers?

Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must ensure that their advertising, labelling and representations are not misleading or deceptive. For jewellers, this means looking at the complete customer journey, from product descriptions and showcase labels to social media content and conversations with sales staff.

The practical steps are straightforward: clearly identify lab-grown diamonds, review marketing and product descriptions for potentially confusing language, and make sure staff are comfortable explaining the difference between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. Where supplier information is unclear, jewellers should also seek clarification before using it in customer-facing materials.

Transparency does not need to be complicated. Clear communication helps consumers make informed choices and gives jewellers greater confidence that they are representing their products accurately and professionally.

The JAA Is Here to Help

As lab-grown diamonds continue to evolve as part of the jewellery market, the Jewellers Association of Australia is committed to keeping members informed about developments that may affect their businesses. We will continue to share relevant information and guidance to help members navigate this changing landscape. 

JAA Board 

JAA Directors, former directors and staff - JIF Sydney and Melbourne (2025, 2025 and 2024)
Images not for reproduction without permission