The 2024 CIBJO World Jewellery Confederation Congress in Shanghai emphasized the importance of clearly differentiating natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) to ensure transparency and consumer confidence. The congress, held from November 2-4, gathered industry leaders who reaffirmed the need for distinct terminology to guide consumers in their diamond choices.
Wesley Hunt, Chair of the CIBJO Laboratory-Grown Diamond Committee, highlighted that LGDs are expanding globally, with the U.S. currently accounting for about 75% of demand. "Natural and lab-grown diamonds should coexist as separate market segments without disparaging each other," he said, emphasizing the need to avoid unsubstantiated sustainability claims.
Raluca Anghel, Head of External Affairs at the Natural Diamond Council, further stressed that terminology for lab-grown diamonds must accurately convey product distinctions. The terms “laboratory-created diamonds” and “synthetic diamonds” were endorsed, while descriptions like “real diamonds” and “eco-friendly diamonds” were discouraged.
In a new move for 2025, CIBJO partnered with Key & Co to introduce a sustainability toolkit for LGD companies. This “living document” provides actionable ESG (environmental, social, and governance) guidance, with a focus on reducing waste and carbon footprints in diamond manufacturing. Consultant John Key underscored the toolkit's value for achieving sustainable growth in LGD businesses, adding that CIBJO members are encouraged to provide feedback before formal guidelines are established.
On the consumer protection front, CIBJO’s Diamond Commission continued its work on disclosing accurate information regarding diamond origins. Anghel noted the widening price gap between natural diamonds and LGDs, underscoring the need for precise disclosure to protect consumer interests.
The congress also addressed potential challenges arising from new EU regulations on silver classification, which may affect public perception of silver. Starting in May 2026, silver will carry a label suggesting potential health risks. CIBJO advised industry stakeholders to proactively manage communication to avoid negative consumer associations.
Finally, a panel moderated by David Brough examined the impact of global geopolitics on the jewellery sector. Topics included economic shifts, the rise in gold prices, and innovative responses from jewellers, such as lightweight designs enabled by electroforming, to adapt to changing consumer demands.
With ongoing global challenges and regulatory developments, CIBJO’s 2024 Congress highlighted industry resilience and a strong commitment to transparent, consumer-centric practices.
