The short answer: the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia all expect sellers to describe lab grown diamonds honestly, but the exact wording rules and guidance differ, so check the rules in your own country. We use plain terms and state the origin of every stone.
If you are buying across borders, you may notice that listings use different words for the same stone. That is partly because each market has its own guidance on what a seller may say. This article is a plain overview, not legal advice, and the details are best checked with the relevant authority in your country.
The three markets in brief
| Market | Where the guidance comes from |
|---|---|
| United States | The Federal Trade Commission publishes Jewelry Guides on how diamonds may be described. |
| United Kingdom | Consumer protection law and advertising rules apply, with industry guidance on terms. |
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law and the competition regulator oversee misleading claims. |
For country by country detail, see how lab grown diamonds must be described in the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
What they have in common
- Sellers should not mislead buyers about whether a stone is natural or lab grown.
- Words such as real, genuine or natural should not be used in a way that hides the origin.
- Claims about the environment or ethics need to be supportable.
Where they differ
The preferred terms, the way a lab grown stone must be labelled, and the level of detail expected on certificates can vary. Some markets are more specific about which words may be used, and some rely on general consumer law. This is why a listing that is acceptable in one place may be worded differently in another.
Words you will see
Laboratory grown, lab grown, lab created and man made are all used to describe diamonds made in a laboratory. Synthetic is a technical term used by gemmologists, and cultured is used by some sellers. The key test in every market is whether the description makes the origin clear to an ordinary buyer. See which term applies where.
Why guidance changes
Guidance on lab grown wording has been updated in several countries as the market has grown, and it may change again. That is one reason we keep our wording simple and avoid terms that are disputed. If you are relying on a rule, check the authority's current guidance rather than an older article, including this one.
What this means for you
- Ask any seller to state whether a stone is natural or lab grown in writing.
- Check that a report names the origin and has a verifiable number.
- Be cautious of vague claims about ethics or the environment.
See what a lab grown diamond report must show and lab grown carbon footprint claims.
Buying from overseas
If you buy from a jeweller in another country, the rules that protect you may be the seller's rules, not yours. That makes clear, written descriptions more important. We state the origin on every quote and report, and we explain what to expect on delivery, duty and tax in your country.
Our approach
We describe every stone clearly as natural or lab grown, and we keep our wording simple so it holds up wherever you live. If you are in a market with specific labelling rules, tell us and we will talk it through with you.
Browse our lab grown colourless diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can a seller call a lab grown diamond real? The wording is regulated in some places, so ask for the origin to be stated clearly.
Are the rules the same everywhere? No, which is why it helps to ask.
Is synthetic a negative word? It is a technical term, but many buyers prefer laboratory grown, which is clearer.
Do you sell to all three markets? Tell us where you are and we will tell you what to expect.
Is this legal advice? No, it is a general overview, and you should check current guidance with the relevant authority.