Russia Tightens Jewelry Sales Rules for Synthetic Stones From September 2026
Russia will introduce stricter disclosure requirements for jewelry and synthetic stones on September 1, 2026. Retailers must revise labels, websites, advertising and certificates, while goods offered for sale before that date remain under the previous rules.
New rules take effect in September
Russia will introduce new requirements for informing buyers of jewelry and articles made from precious metals and stones on September 1, 2026. The changes follow Russian government Resolution No. 657, signed on May 30, 2026, according to the SakhaNews news agency.
The rules establish a sharper legal and commercial distinction between natural diamonds and stones produced by synthetic processes. The Russian Ministry of Finance said the main objectives are to increase transparency in the jewelry market and strengthen consumer protection. For retailers and other businesses selling jewelry in Russia, compliance will extend beyond physical product labels to the full range of information presented to customers.
Diamond terminology reserved for natural stones
Under the new requirements, the Russian term corresponding to “diamond” may be used exclusively for cut stones of natural origin. Sellers must clearly disclose when a stone is not natural. For synthetic stones, they may not use that word or its derivatives, and they may not state quality and color characteristics or weight in carats.
The approved designation for a cut diamond of non-natural origin is “cut synthetic diamond.” Labels and tags must also carry the word “synthetic” or its permitted abbreviated form. The stone’s mass may be stated only in grams. These provisions will require businesses to separate the product language used for natural and synthetic stones throughout their sales and marketing materials.
Restrictions cover labels, websites and advertising
Sellers may not describe synthetic stones with terms that could give customers the impression that the stones are natural. The prohibited descriptions include words meaning “precious,” “real,” “genuine,” “natural,” “mined,” “mineral” and “ecological.” The restrictions apply to information delivered in any form, including a product tag, website, advertisement or certificate.
This broad scope gives jewelry retailers a compliance task across both stores and digital channels. Product cards, search descriptions, promotional campaigns, printed certificates and inventory labels may all need review before the rules take effect. Suppliers and processors serving the Russian market will also need to provide product information that allows retailers to distinguish clearly between natural and synthetic stones.
Existing merchandise receives transitional treatment
Jewelry already offered for sale before September 1 will remain subject to the previous procedure. SakhaNews did not report additional conditions for this transitional treatment, but the distinction makes the date on which merchandise is placed on sale operationally important for retailers managing existing inventory.
The regulation does not prohibit the sale of synthetic stones. Instead, it changes how they can be named, measured and promoted to consumers. The practical impact will be greatest for businesses whose catalogs combine natural diamonds with laboratory-produced alternatives, because each customer-facing reference must follow the new terminology. Retailers have until September 1, 2026, to align affected labels and communications, while maintaining the former treatment for qualifying merchandise already on sale.
