Highlights, September 2026: Natural Diamonds and Consumer Trust, CIBJO’s Perspective

Protecting the value of natural diamonds also means protecting the language used to describe them. This is the central theme of the seminar held by the CIBJO Diamond Commission, which focuses on the role of international standards in guaranteeing clear, scientifically accurate, and consistent communication throughout the industry. During the session, Jean-Pierre Chalain, Vice President of the CIBJO Diamond Commission, emphasizes that terminology is not merely a descriptive tool, but also a factor that influences consumer perception and understanding of a product’s characteristics. For this reason, he argues, standards must continue to reflect scientific reality, without creating ambiguities or overlaps that could confuse the marketplace. At the heart of the discussion is the natural diamond, whose uniqueness stems from an irreplaceable geological process that has unfolded over billions of years. According to the Commission, one of the primary objectives of international standards is to enable consumers to immediately understand the origin of gemstones and why products that may appear similar can possess fundamentally different characteristics and values. The seminar also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the historic mission of CIBJO’s Blue Books, which have served as a benchmark for the industry for nearly a century. Scientific accuracy, transparency, and proper disclosure are identified as essential principles for preserving public trust and safeguarding market integrity. Among the updates presented is a revision of the definition of the term “cut,” prompted by a proposal from Jeanette Fiedler, a member of CIBJO’s German delegation. The new wording, unanimously approved by the Diamond Commission Steering Committee, aims to provide a more precise and consumer-friendly description of a diamond’s cut. The message emerging from the session is clear: in an industry built on trust, the correct identification of natural diamonds is essential to ensuring transparency, preserving value, and enabling informed consumer choice.