Overview
EN ISO 18323:2015 (ISO 18323:2015) - Jewellery: Consumer confidence in the diamond industry - defines clear, consumer-facing nomenclature and disclosure principles for diamonds. Published by CEN adopting ISO 18323:2015, the standard aims to reduce consumer confusion by establishing permitted descriptors and precise definitions for natural diamonds, treated diamonds, synthetic (laboratory-grown) diamonds, composite stones and diamond imitations.
Key topics and requirements
- Permitted descriptors and nomenclature: establishes terminology designed to be easily understood by consumers and traders; the unqualified term “diamond” always means a natural diamond.
- Definitions: clear, standardized definitions for key categories, including natural, diamond, treated diamond, synthetic (laboratory-grown/created) diamond, composite stone, artificial stone and imitation (simulant).
- Disclosure obligations: requires transparent identification and disclosure of treatments and the nature/provenance of a stone so consumers can make informed purchases.
- Treatment examples: identifies treatments that must be disclosed (examples include fracture filling, coating, heating, irradiation, laser drilling, HPHT).
- Terminology controls: prohibits potentially misleading shorthand or informal abbreviations - for example, abbreviations such as “lab grown”, “lab created”, “lab diamond” or “syn diamond” are not permitted.
- Glossary and guidance: includes a consumer-oriented glossary and lists of products that might be misrepresented as diamonds (synthetic stones, other gem materials, glass, composite stones, etc.).
Practical applications
EN ISO 18323:2015 is intended for use across the diamond and jewellery supply chain to improve transparency and consumer confidence:
- Retailers and e‑commerce: for correct labeling, product descriptions and sales guidance.
- Gemmological laboratories and appraisers: to harmonize terminology in reports and certificates.
- Manufacturers and wholesalers: to standardize product descriptions for parcels and inventory.
- Regulators and consumer protection bodies: as a reference for advertising and disclosure enforcement.
- Industry associations and auditors: to develop codes of practice and compliance checks.
Related standards and context
- EN ISO 18323:2015 is the European adoption of ISO 18323:2015 prepared by ISO/TC 174 (Jewellery) and CEN/TC 410.
- It complements industry labelling guidance and gemmological standards that focus on testing, grading and authentication.
Keywords: EN ISO 18323:2015, ISO 18323, diamond nomenclature, synthetic diamond, treated diamond, diamond disclosure, jewellery standard, consumer confidence.
