How Governments can change words and meanings

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I looked up the date and wording of the FTC ruling on natural and synthetic diamonds. It was in 2018.
The word natural was deemed not to be used and diamond by itself described "mined diamond".
The term synthetic was dropped from the lexicon for diamond, and the language used by the FTC almost always has Laboratory or Lab infront of diamond.

So what you ask?

Shortly there after the GIA's excellent Gems & Gemology journal has hardly ever used synthetic and diamond in the same sentence, whereas prior to 2018 it was the norm. The new normal is Laboratory Grown.
All other articles about other gemstones refer to the man made version as Synthetic.
Interesting!

 

[kenny]

For some reason this brings to mind that saying, "Follow the Money".

Some very deep pockets will make more money because of this change.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I have always found the term “Earth Mined” to be complimentary. Others disagree.
But eBay, in their infinite wisdom disallowed the term “Lab Grown”. Nope. It must be Lab “created”.
Anyway, it’s a brave new word, I mean world.

 

[jewels2]

All governments are garbage IMO

 

[oldminer]

Diamonds, regardless of their origin in the earth or from a manufacturing facility are pretty much the same. They are not identical or trained and well equipped folks could not separate them from one another. In terms of appearance, they can look identical, but not in absolute terms.

It seems to me that allowing gemologists to say diamonds which are manufactured to be called synthetic and diamonds taken out of the earth from naturally occurring geological events, should be able to be named natural. Such natural diamonds when substantially treated to alter their color or clarity should be described as enhanced, but it matters very little if manufactured diamonds that have been subjected to further treatments have such details reported. Manufactured diamonds are not rare and their rough material is not costly. Treatments that are permanent on such stones don't change their value or do anything to make them rare or special. Treatments may simply make such stones better looking and easier to sell.

The role of the FTC is to protect the public. The rules currently do an acceptable job, but that doesn't mean the rules are all as perfect as they should be. The FTC will likely make revisions over time, but business will go on with or without such minor changes. I don't thick saying mined diamonds are "natural" and that manufactured diamonds are "synthetic" is mis-leading. If anything, it makes it far too clear to consumers that there are some differences.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Diamonds, regardless of their origin in the earth or from a manufacturing facility are pretty much the same. They are not identical or trained and well equipped folks could not separate them from one another. In terms of appearance, they can look identical, but not in absolute terms.

It seems to me that allowing gemologists to say diamonds which are manufactured to be called synthetic and diamonds taken out of the earth from naturally occurring geological events, should be able to be named natural. Such natural diamonds when substantially treated to alter their color or clarity should be described as enhanced, but it matters very little if manufactured diamonds that have been subjected to further treatments have such details reported. Manufactured diamonds are not rare and their rough material is not costly. Treatments that are permanent on such stones don't change their value or do anything to make them rare or special. Treatments may simply make such stones better looking and easier to sell.

The role of the FTC is to protect the public. The rules currently do an acceptable job, but that doesn't mean the rules are all as perfect as they should be. The FTC will likely make revisions over time, but business will go on with or without such minor changes. I don't thick saying mined diamonds are "natural" and that manufactured diamonds are "synthetic" is mis-leading. If anything, it makes it far too clear to consumers that there are some differences.

Agreed 1005 Dave, and thoughful answers and questions raised.
BUT
What is the motive in these changes?
I am sure there is one, just as the Indian government is now promoting lab grown and providing significant subsidies to growers and the entire LGD pipeline.
I think the FTC along with GIA are making a decisive move that has not declared openly.
Not a bad thing, but appears to be a clear strategy to grow a new US manufacturing business.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

What? Private industry affecting government policy making? No way! That’s just blowing smoke.

 

[oldminer]

On a broader basis than diamonds, it was a large error to have pushed so much critical manufacturing overseas to begin with. We now must live with the consequences and the dependencies. It would take decades to reverse, but it might still remain less costly to make many items overseas where labor remains low, environmental controls are lax, and rights of workers are given only lip service.

I prefer to call manufactured diamonds "synthetic" and mined diamonds "natural". The FTC can demand compliance from major advertisers, but individuals still are free to use the terminology of their own choice. For the most part, on Pricescope, I use the FTC terminology as a courtesy to firms selling and grading both kinds of diamonds and also to be sure the consuming public is not left confused on the origin of both types, too. Political correctness with diamonds 101.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

On a broader basis than diamonds, it was a large error to have pushed so much critical manufacturing overseas to begin with. We now must live with the consequences and the dependencies. It would take decades to reverse, but it might still remain less costly to make many items overseas where labor remains low, environmental controls are lax, and rights of workers are given only lip service.

I prefer to call manufactured diamonds "synthetic" and mined diamonds "natural". The FTC can demand compliance from major advertisers, but individuals still are free to use the terminology of their own choice. For the most part, on Pricescope, I use the FTC terminology as a courtesy to firms selling and grading both kinds of diamonds and also to be sure the consuming public is not left confused on the origin of both types, too. Political correctness with diamonds 101.

Yes Dave,
We old dudes with long gemology backgrounds (actually Gemmology with 2 m's, and not a US shortend word with the same meaning - google it hehehe). We can be amused by changes in terminology.
I think growing diamonds in first world nations with better (not perfect yet) reporting on sources of 'green' energy or offsets is a good thing. But far more LGD's are being sold as US origin currently that are produced in USA.
These issues will be sorted out over time I am sure.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Something that has bothered me.....as an old "diamond man" is that the speed at which this market has expanded has diluted part of the trust that I've always enjoyed as part of a close knit diamond community.
And part of it is disingenuous "green" claims.
Both mined, as well as created diamonds, have impacts on the ecology of this planet. Selling one or the other as an "answer" to this is baseless advertising fluff

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Something that has bothered me.....as an old "diamond man" is that the speed at which this market has expanded has diluted part of the trust that I've always enjoyed as part of a close knit diamond community.
And part of it is disingenuous "green" claims.
Both mined, as well as created diamonds, have impacts on the ecology of this planet. Selling one or the other as an "answer" to this is baseless advertising fluff

Agree 100% David,
The two camps throw mud at each other and its like the two kids having a punch up. One says he won because he got one less black eye than the other kid!

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Good commentary here by everybody. There have always been major clashes over terminology in synthetic gemstones. As @kenny stated, "follow the money". Certain terms are sexier or more marketable.

"Synthetic" is a generic term and is considered somewhat pejorative by marketers, even though it is accurate and very clear to the average consumer. Obviously marketers prefer terms like 'cultured'. Laboratory grown is a compromise term to an extent.

And yes, GIA has embraced it even though much of their published research and content for years has used the term synthetic for man-made gemstones as well as diamonds. GIA's constituency is a huge worldwide industry that needs to be accounted for. If the powers that be in that industry prefer one term over another, GIA is likely to yield so long as it can be ethically and legally justified.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

GIA has embraced it even though much of their published research and content for years has used the term synthetic for man-made gemstones as well as diamonds. GIA's constituency is a huge worldwide industry that needs to be accounted for. If the powers that be in that industry prefer one term over another, GIA is likely to yield so long as it can be ethically and legally justified.

My point re GIA Bryan was made in this comment:
"Shortly there after the GIA's excellent Gems & Gemology journal has hardly ever used synthetic and diamond in the same sentence, whereas prior to 2018 it was the norm. The new normal is Laboratory Grown.
All other articles about other gemstones refer to the man made version as Synthetic.
Interesting!"
The powers in the gem world have never liked the term, ask Tom Chatham and others. To say that the diamond industry wield more power misses the point.
and my main point is that Gems & Gemology is a respected peer reviewed journal.

Where how and who had the conversations around this change in important terminology? Was it the diamond industry? Or was it from the government? Perhaps the concept of tax free status may have been mentioned?
250M revenue, and a lot of good work done, half a billion assets, mostly cash I think. Plus revenue from several other labs all around the world, noteably India where salaries are low with loads of diamonds coming and the same prices charged as in USA!
Not complaining about that as we all need them. And a well resourced team of scientists can do good work.

But, I really want to know why as scientists they rolled over on this word?
How many articles were rejected because authors refused to use marketing words?

 

[DejaWiz]

Garry, I think there's a stigma surrounding the word "synthetic" due to the long running incorrect usage of the word in (mostly USA) television, movies, periodicals, and even politics going back decades and decades that has given a majority of the masses an incorrect perception that synthetic = fake or simulated.

For example, I can think of at least a few Sci-fi movies/shows from the past in which robots or androids were derogatorily referred to as a "synthetics" or "synths", which gives the (incorrectly used) word a negative connotation.

The fact that there are false equivalent synonyms listed for the word synthetic to this day certainly doesn't help:

 

[kenny]

DejaWiz is right; synthetic just sounds undesirable, and inferior.
I don't buy any synthetic clothing, towels or linens.

Why?
Call me a a snob but I prefer, and can afford, pure cotton, wool, linen, or silk, et al.
Natural fibers are a greener choice because they eventually decompose and return to the earth. supporting future life.
Synthetics don't.
So, like nuclear waste, synthetics contaminate the earth for a long long time.
Much of it finds its way to, and pollutes, our oceans.

Yes indeed, synthetic is an S-word.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Garry, I think there's a stigma surrounding the word "synthetic" due to the long running incorrect usage of the word in (mostly USA) television, movies, periodicals, and even politics going back decades and decades that has given a majority of the masses an incorrect perception that synthetic = fake or simulated.

For example, I can think of at least a few Sci-fi movies/shows from the past in which robots or androids were derogatorily referred to as a "synthetics" or "synths", which gives the (incorrectly used) word a negative connotation.

The fact that there are false equivalent synonyms listed for the word synthetic to this day certainly doesn't help:

You make an excellent point regarding the marketing terminology DW.
Agree 100% that synthetic is a turn off.
I disagree from a scientific article point of view however. Much or maybe almost all of the research papers in gemmological journals is about detecting nefarious cheating around synthetic diamond (and all other gems).
From Wikipedia
Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers (and many non-jewelers) are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems.

I stated this thread because of two issues:
1. I believe in free markets and when governments get involved in picking winners there are usually unintended consequences. (e.g. US $7,500 subsidy for eCars wholly made in North America is about to begin a trade war with allies in the EU).
India is doing the same thing, and every time India comes up with a bonus scheme the system is rorted by billions!

2. Science is science and should remain so.
2.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

DejaWiz is right; synthetic just sounds undesirable, and inferior.
I don't buy any synthetic clothing, towels or linens.

Why?
Call me a a snob but I prefer, and can afford, pure cotton, wool, linen, or silk, et al.
Natural fibers are a greener choice because they eventually decompose and return to the earth. supporting future life.
Synthetics don't.
So, like nuclear waste, synthetics contaminate the earth for a long long time.
Much of it finds its way to, and pollutes, our oceans.

Yes indeed, synthetic is an S-word.

Hi Kenny, Not suggesting synthetic should be used in sales and marketing.

 

[DejaWiz]

You make an excellent point regarding the marketing terminology DW.
Agree 100% that synthetic is a turn off.
I disagree from a scientific article point of view however. Much or maybe almost all of the research papers in gemmological journals is about detecting nefarious cheating around synthetic diamond (and all other gems).
From Wikipedia
Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers (and many non-jewelers) are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems.

I stated this thread because of two issues:
1. I believe in free markets and when governments get involved in picking winners there are usually unintended consequences. (e.g. US $7,500 subsidy for eCars wholly made in North America is about to begin a trade war with allies in the EU).
India is doing the same thing, and every time India comes up with a bonus scheme the system is rorted by billions!

2. Science is science and should remain so.
2.

I 100% agree, Garry. "Synthetic" is the proper term for the human-grown material that is diamond.

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Hi Kenny, Not suggesting synthetic should be used in sales and marketing.

You make an excellent point regarding the marketing terminology DW.
Agree 100% that synthetic is a turn off.
I disagree from a scientific article point of view however. Much or maybe almost all of the research papers in gemmological journals is about detecting nefarious cheating around synthetic diamond (and all other gems).
From Wikipedia
Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers (and many non-jewelers) are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems.

I stated this thread because of two issues:
1. I believe in free markets and when governments get involved in picking winners there are usually unintended consequences. (e.g. US $7,500 subsidy for eCars wholly made in North America is about to begin a trade war with allies in the EU).
India is doing the same thing, and every time India comes up with a bonus scheme the system is rorted by billions!

2. Science is science and should remain so.
2.

I'm all for the clarity you seek, we could have "Grubbed From the Earth Diamonds"
label and then "The Brilliance of Mankind, Synthetic Diamonds".

I own four beautiful "Grubbed From the Earth Diamonds" and I am truly interested in "The Brilliance of Mankind, Synthetic Diamonds". They are amazing and fascinating to me and I guess they could be called "Dog Poop Sparkles" and I'd still want some. I'm not attached to the label but perhaps many out there are concerned about all that.

 

[DejaWiz]

^ can we get a formal name change of this subforum from "MMD" to "DPS"?
I think Sunrises Sunsets is on to something.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

^ can we get a formal name change of this subforum from "MMD" to "DPS"?
I think Sunrises Sunsets is on to something.

If they were Woman Made Diamonds would the name start with B?

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

If they were Woman Made Diamonds would the name start with B?

Beautifully Made Diamonds... why not? As long as they sparkle like crazy!

 

[LilAlex]

I have always found the term “Earth Mined” to be complimentary. Others disagree.

This is like when osteopaths started calling MDs "allopathic physicians" as a counterpoint to their "osteopathic physicians." MDs are just "physicians" -- with no qualifier.

Similarly, don't use the presence of a knock-off to force the original to qualify its name. The emergence of "Rocky II" does not mean that the original is now called "Rocky I." The cottage industry of male strippers has not led to the police being re-named "non-stripping law enforcement."

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

This is like when osteopaths started calling MDs "allopathic physicians" as a counterpoint to their "osteopathic physicians." MDs are just "physicians" -- with no qualifier. Similarly, don't use the presence of a knock-off to force the original to qualify its name. The emergence of "Rocky II" does not mean that the original is now called "Rocky I." The cottage industry of male strippers has not led to the police being re-named "non-stripping law enforcement."

I love your logic LA!
Diamond is a diamond.
Man or woman man made diamonds need a qualifier. The must by all laws have a qualifier.
If diamond needs a qualifier it can only be natural.
Bringing 'earth' to the term is purely designed to invoke a huge hole in the ground.
'Mined' doubles up on the attack on mining diamonds.
Without mining we live in mud huts. No. you need to dig a hole to get the mud.
I guess it's bark huts?

 

[Rockdiamond]

My goal has been to present both options with no preference to either- to allow the client to choose which direction to take unbiased.
i started using the term Earth Mined because it seemed to make sense. I never have had a client react negatively to it.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I never have had a client react negatively to it.

But other trade members have told me they don't like the term.
Can't we all just get along

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

But other trade members have told me they don't like the term.
Can't we all just get along

Hi David,
It is not really the point or topic of this thread which is focused on how governments desires are influencing our industry.
We can have our debates over marketing terminology.
My point of view on use of names is simply this:

It is childish like school yard name calling.
The natural (or just plain diamond) industry calls the new kid a fake.
The LGD industry invokes negativity toward a competitor that it is trading off using blood, mined, earth, conflict, environment etc.

None of this is good for any type of diamond.

 

[emmy12]

plain diamond

Maybe the synthetic/MMD/LGD industry would like this term. Call the originals "plain Diamonds" and theirs are "science diamonds"!

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

Maybe the synthetic/MMD/LGD industry would like this term. Call the originals "plain Diamonds" and theirs are "science diamonds"!

Even simpler: Old Age Diamonds and New Age Diamonds

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Even simpler: Old Age Diamonds and New Age Diamonds

Original Diamonds. Woke Diamonds (hehehe)