As the largest producer of natural diamonds by volume, Russia has a strategic interest in clear product categorization within the sector
Moscow: The Government of the Russian Federation has adopted a new resolution to introduce defined regulations for the sale and marketing of jewellery containing synthetic stones, especially synthetic diamonds. An amendment was made to the country’s existing ‘Rules for the Sale of Goods under Retail Purchase and Sale Agreements’ on May 30, 2026.
The resolution establishes mandatory disclosure norms for retailers and sellers. When a natural mineral name is used to describe an artificial inlay in jewellery, the label must include the term “synthetic”, with the abbreviation “synthet.” permitted. The regulation also prohibits the use of the word “diamond” and its derivatives when referring to synthetic materials.
Further, the rules restrict the use of grading or descriptive characteristics commonly associated with natural diamonds. Sellers are not permitted to indicate quality or colour attributes for synthetic stones in a manner that reflects natural diamond standards. In addition, the weight of synthetic stones can only be stated in grams, and not in carats.
The resolution also restricts the use of certain terms in marketing and product descriptions. Words such as “precious”, “real”, “genuine”, “natural”, “mined”, “mineral”, and “eco-friendly”, along with similar expressions, cannot be used in connection with synthetic stones. These provisions apply not only to product tags but to all forms of communication directed at consumers.
The amendments form part of a broader effort to regulate retail practices and ensure transparency in the sale of jewellery. The rules are designed to address concerns around misleading representation and to create a clear distinction between natural and synthetic stones in the consumer market.
Russia, as the largest producer of natural diamonds by volume, has a strategic interest in maintaining clarity in product categorization within the jewellery sector. The introduction of these rules is expected to support consistent disclosure practices and standardization across the Russian market.
The resolution will come into effect on September 1, 2026. It is expected to influence how retailers label, market, and communicate information about synthetic stones. The provisions also extend to all consumer-facing information, ensuring that disclosures remain consistent across physical and digital platforms.
Industry stakeholders have been encouraged to consider similar regulatory measures in their respective markets. The aim is to align practices across jurisdictions and support a framework that distinguishes between natural and synthetic stones in a uniform manner. The regulation is positioned as a step towards strengthening transparency and ensuring clarity for consumers in jewellery transactions.
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