France and Botswana: Only a Natural Diamond is a Diamond

(IDEX Online) - France and Botswana say the word diamond, with no qualifier, should refer only to natural stones, not lab grown diamonds.

The declaration does not specify an alternative term for lab grown, although both countries appear to favor the term "synthetic".

The agreement does not itself create legally binding labelling requirements but establishes a framework for diplomatic and industry cooperation.

The two countries said they would establish a joint working group involving government and private-sector representatives to monitor implementation and publish annual progress reports starting in 2027.

The Paris Declaration on Natural Diamonds was signed on November 10, on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, by Nicolas Forissier, France's minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness, and Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana's minister of minerals and energy.

It calls for clear, accurate and consistent terminology to strengthen consumer confidence, with the word diamond referring specifically to a natural diamond.

France's foreign ministry said the declaration reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to protecting and promoting the uniqueness and integrity of natural diamonds.

It stressed the importance of providing buyers with "clear, reliable information about the products they purchase".

Botswana President Duma Boko had previewed the agreement in his November 9 State of the Nation address, saying: "We've argued that they must not be called diamonds."

Amber Pepper, CEO of The Diamond Collective, formerly the Natural Diamond Council, welcomed the declaration.

"It is a reminder that the value of a natural diamond extends far beyond its beauty, supporting livelihoods, communities and economies in producing countries around the world," she said.

"Diamonds also sit at the heart of France's extraordinary jewelry heritage, bringing together the rarity of the stone with generations of craftsmanship and expertise."

The declaration also recognizes the contribution of natural diamonds to producing countries and calls for responsible sourcing, workers' rights, health and safety standards and respect for local communities.

CIBJO, the London Diamond Bourse and the African Diamond Producers Association have previously backed synthetic as the preferred terminology for laboratory-created stones.

Russia has introduced restrictions on the use of the word diamond for synthetic stones, but the US continues to recognize lab growns as diamonds, provided their origin is disclosed.

Pic, courtesy The Diamond Collective, shows Bogolo Joy Kenewendo and Nicolas Forissier signing the Paris Declaration on Natural Diamonds.