Starting from September 1, 2026, the term "polished diamonds" will only be applicable to natural stones in Russia, according to a new governmental decree.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the term "cut synthetic rough diamond" for non-natural diamonds for use in retail.
"Precious jewelry is a significant purchase, often associated with a gift, family history, and long-term value. Therefore, consumers must see accurate and reliable information about the stone's origin," explained Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseyev.
After these changes come into effect, when selling synthetic stones, only the weight of the stone in grams is permitted, and only the designation "synthetic" is permitted on labels and tags. Terms that create the impression that the stone is natural, including "precious" or "eco-friendly," are not permitted for products containing synthetic stones.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which developed the "4Cs" diamond grading system (color, clarity, carats, and cut), has stopped using it for synthetics since 2025.
These changes in Russia come amid growing demand for synthetic diamonds. Between January and March, jewelry chains saw their share of sales increase 2.9 times year-on-year, reaching 25% of sales. Consumers are attracted to jewelry with synthetic stones because of its lower price.
For retailers, selling jewelry with synthetic stones is more profitable: a 1-carat synthetic diamond costs an average of $100 in wholesale, while a similar natural diamond costs $4,500, Kommersant reports.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
