Mumbai: The Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) members during the Annual General Meeting, have in principle approved the trading of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) within the BDB. However, members cannot start trading in LGDs just yet. The BDB Managing Committee will now draw up a set of guidelines to be followed by members who wish to trade in LGDs.

Mr. Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB, says, “The BDB members will have to adhere to a set of guidelines formed by the bourse’s management before they are allowed to trade in synthetic diamonds. The intention is to keep the two pipelines — natural and lab-grown — separate. The managing committee of BDB will now frame rules and guidelines on the same and decide the date from when members can start to deal in synthetics.”

Some of the norms which may be enforced are:

• A separate application/registration will have to be made by members desirous of trading in synthetics
• Companies dealing in both products shall ensure that the two separate entities are formed
• Identify and demarcate an office premises that they shall utilise solely for the purpose of trade in synthetic / LGDs
• Ensure that there is a clear, distinct and robust segregation process and technique implemented in their office premises
• Implementation of a separate and distinct stock/inventory management system

Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said, “The decision to allow LGD trading within BDB will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Indian diamond manufacturing industry. The industry has always believed in being inclusive and there is a place for every product to exist as long as the disclosures are made. I see no reason why natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds cannot co-exist as both products are important for keeping the home fires burning.”