ThePrint ThePrintPod: Not lab-grown, only a natural one can be called a 'diamond', as per India's new rule
Jan 20, 2026
A new rulebook from the Bureau of Indian Standards is revolutionizing how diamonds are labeled in India. Now, if a product claims to be a 'diamond', it must be a natural one. Lab-grown diamonds must be clearly labeled, eliminating confusion for consumers. Previous vagueness in labeling had left buyers uncertain about their purchases. The new standard bans misleading marketing terms and abbreviations. Retailers are supporting this move towards greater transparency in the jewellery market.
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BIS Adopts Enforceable Diamond Standard
- The Bureau of Indian Standards adopted IS-19469 to set enforceable naming rules for diamonds in India.
- This standard closes prior ambiguity and forces clarity across digital and e-commerce platforms.
Diamond Means Natural Only
- The word "diamond" used alone now legally refers only to natural diamonds in India.
- Lab-grown stones must be labeled fully as "laboratory-grown" or "laboratory-created" with no short forms allowed.
Label Lab Diamonds Clearly
- Disclose lab-made stones clearly by using "laboratory-grown diamonds" or "laboratory-created diamonds" in all formal listings.
- Avoid abbreviations like LGD, lab-grown, or lab diamond and omit marketing spin that misleads buyers.