Ernie Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has praised the release of ISO International Standard 18323: Jewellery - Consumer confidence in the diamond industry. The ISO standard provides definitions which provide “clarity for traders” and help “to maintain consumer confidence in the diamond industry as a whole”, Blom said. He added that the WFDB was involved in formulating these standards.

It will be remembered (as reported yesterday) that the ISO defined  a diamond as something that is “created by nature” and ruled that the word “diamond” without further specification always implies “natural diamond”.

"The importance of this standard lies in the fact that it sets out which nomenclature can be used and which cannot in the purchase and sale of diamonds, treated diamonds and synthetic diamonds," Blom said.

Blom pointed out as the WFDB has been emphasising over the years, the ISO, too, notes very clearly “the need for integrity and transparency” to ensure that “consumers have total confidence” in the diamond industry and its products. “Buyers do not usually have the technical knowledge to understand the many aspects of diamonds and so they are reliant on correct and honest labelling,” he stated.

"Regarding synthetic diamonds, which is a critical issue for the diamond business, the ISO standard sets out descriptions for synthetic diamonds plainly and precisely,” Blom added. “It points out the growth in production in recent years, and that lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical and physical (including optical) properties as a natural, mined diamond. We have long pointed out the importance of consumers knowing exactly what type of diamond is being offered to them, and this new standard confirms this."