WDC Calls For Differentiation between Synthetic and Natural Diamonds

Ernest Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, believes the diamond industry must develop uniformity in the way synthetic diamonds are differentiated from natural diamonds. Blom said in an October statement: “While synthetic diamonds are a legitimate product with its own market niche to fill, they must always be identified as synthetic diamonds, and when they are graded the documentation and terminology should be recognizable at a glance as referring to synthetics.”

The Gemological Institute of America will begin accepting synthetic diamonds for grading as of January 2007. Blom has met with GIA acting president Donna Baker to discuss nomenclature for synthetics which will avoid them becoming confused with natural diamonds.

“Our interest, first and foremost, in agreeing that labs grade synthetics, is to provide accurate and unambiguous information to the jewelry consumer” said Blom. “If different labs adopt different strategies, and see a variety of different nomenclature, then the consumer will be presented with a range of mixed messages. That is exactly what we need to avoid.”