[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 16, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2006]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 16CFR23.25]

[Page 152]
 
                     TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
 
                   CHAPTER I--FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
 
PART 23_GUIDES FOR THE JEWELRY, PRECIOUS METALS, AND PEWTER INDUSTRIES
--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 23.25  Misuse of the word ``gem.''

    (a) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word ``gem'' to describe, 
identify, or refer to a ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, or other 
industry product that does not possess the beauty, symmetry, rarity, and 
value necessary for qualification as a gem.
    (b) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word ``gem'' to describe 
any laboratory-created industry product unless the product meets the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and unless such word is 
immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness, by the word 
``laboratory-grown,'' ``laboratory-created,'' or ``[manufacturer-name]-
created,'' ``synthetic,'' or by some other word or phrase of like 
meaning, so as to clearly disclose that it is not a natural gem.

    Note to Sec. 23.25: In general, use of the word ``gem'' with 
respect to laboratory-created stones should be avoided since few 
laboratory-created stones possess the necessary qualifications to 
properly be termed ``gems.'' Imitation diamonds and other imitation 
stones should not be described as ``gems.'' Not all diamonds or natural 
stones, including those classified as precious stones, possess the 
necessary qualifications to be properly termed ``gems.''