Authenticity remains the foundation of value, and few materials embody this principle more than the natural diamond. As synthetic alternatives grow increasingly sophisticated, De Beers Group’s “Standard Guidance: Undisclosed Synthetic Diamonds 2025” reaffirms the industry’s collective responsibility to protect transparency, integrity, and trust. The report outlines updated Best Practice Principles (BPPs) that reinforce accountability throughout the diamond supply chain, addressing the rising risk of undisclosed synthetic stones entering global markets.
Understanding Today’s Diamond Landscape
To better understand the context, the diamond industry has evolved at a faster pace than ever before in recent years. Alongside natural diamonds, formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, technology has enabled the creation of diamonds in laboratories that resemble those mined from nature almost identically. These lab-grown stones are not inherently negative; they simply represent a different category of product. The challenge arises when synthetic diamonds are sold or mixed into the natural supply without disclosure.
The guidance emerges in response to mounting reports of synthetic diamonds being misrepresented as natural. Such acts, whether deliberate or accidental, pose not only reputational risks but also potential legal consequences, including fraud investigations and the loss of Sightholder status. De Beers’ position is clear: synthetic diamonds have a legitimate market presence, but disclosure is non-negotiable.
Key Definitions and Framework
The report refines critical terminology that anchors industry standards. A diamond is defined strictly as a mineral created entirely by nature. By contrast, synthetic diamonds result from human intervention, typically through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes, while simulants merely imitate the appearance without sharing diamond’s natural properties. These precise definitions ensure clarity in trade, marketing, and certification.
Guidance for Sightholders
To safeguard the authenticity of stones 0.08 carats and above, Sightholders are required to conduct detailed risk assessments of their supply pipelines.
Key actions include:
- Implementing policies that segregate natural from synthetic operations
- Testing high-risk parcels using accredited gemmological instruments such as DiamondSure™, DiamondView™, and the Automated Melee Screening (AMS) system
- Maintaining auditable systems that document testing, training, and incident reporting
- Providing written and verbal disclosure of diamond origin at every stage of sale
Sightholders must establish a Chain of Accountability, a transparent assurance process confirming that every diamond is natural and untreated. This principle extends to factory controls, contractor oversight, and “Know Your Supplier” (KYS) protocols.
The Melee Assurance Protocol
Recognizing the unique challenges of smaller stones (0.08ct and below), De Beers introduces the “BPP Melee Assurance Protocol”. This mechanism verifies that these diamonds originate from natural sources and remain segregated through tamper-evident packaging, third-party auditing, and contractor verification. The system underscores traceability as a hallmark of confidence for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Safeguarding the Diamond’s Truth
The report positions transparency as both an ethical imperative and a commercial safeguard. In an age when authenticity defines luxury, De Beers’ updated framework strengthens the bond of trust between miner, maker, and consumer. It reminds the industry that the enduring allure of the diamond depends not merely on brilliance, but on the truth that lies within each stone.
WLCC Perspective: For newcomers to the industry, understanding how companies ensure transparency and authenticity is essential, as this trust forms the foundation upon which the entire luxury diamond trade is built.
Read more about De Beers’ Diamond Integrity Standards at: https://www.debeersgroup.com/sustainability/best-practice-principles
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