In a recent development, the "Diamond, Precious Metal, and Precious Metal Inlaid Jewelry Logo" standard, drafted by the Dalian Bureau of Quality and Technology Supervision and the Dalian Gold and Silver Ornaments Supervision and Inspection Center, has been officially approved by domestic experts. The standard will take effect on December 30, 2011. This marks the first mandatory local standard in Liaoning Province aimed at regulating the identification of jewels, precious metals, and their inlaid ornaments.
The jewelry market is currently filled with a wide variety of products—ranging from platinum, gold, and palladium to diamonds, jade, sapphire, and more. With such a vast array of materials and intricate designs, the labels and symbols used on these items have become increasingly confusing. Many consumers find it difficult to distinguish between genuine and misleading information, often relying solely on salespeople for guidance.
Ms. Zhang, a consumer who recently spent over 3,000 yuan on an item labeled “Three Sheeps,†described her frustration with the unclear labeling. She admitted she couldn't tell what the product was made of. According to Zhao Da, a member of the National Quality Inspection Expert Committee for Jewelry and Jewelry Products, some businesses use vague or non-standard commercial terms on their labels, leading to confusion among buyers.
For example, “composite cubic zirconia†might be labeled simply as “zircon,†while “jade†could be misused to refer to other materials. These practices mislead consumers and can result in financial loss. Additionally, some retailers manipulate the markings of precious metals like platinum and palladium, which look similar but differ greatly in price.
Zhao Da also pointed out that new jewelry pieces now often combine multiple precious metals, making it even harder for consumers to identify the true value. Some unscrupulous merchants only mark the most expensive metal, hiding the rest, which further complicates the situation.
Currently, China has limited mandatory regulations regarding jewelry naming and logos, with many guidelines scattered across various policies and standards. As the jewelry market continues to grow rapidly, these outdated rules are no longer sufficient. The newly introduced standard aims to address this gap by clearly defining key terms and setting detailed labeling requirements.
According to Chi Chuanli, Director of the Standardization Division at the Dalian Bureau of Quality Supervision, the new standard integrates existing laws and national standards. It provides clear definitions for main stones and accessories, tailored to the specific conditions in Liaoning. The standard mandates that all jewelry must include essential information such as the manufacturer’s code, material type, purity, and main stone quality.
Moreover, the label should clearly state the product name, quality, price, standard number, manufacturer, and location. Additional information, such as inspection certificates, diamond grading, and usage instructions, must also be included if not marked on the stamp or label.
To ensure compliance, the standard allows for a one-year transitional period for existing products. After the deadline, any jewelry failing to meet the new requirements will not be sold. The Dalian Bureau of Quality Supervision plans to hold training sessions to help businesses understand and implement the new standard effectively, promoting fairness and transparency in the market.
For consumers, the new standard offers greater protection and clarity. By ensuring accurate and standardized labeling, it helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid deceptive practices. When purchasing jewelry, Zhao Da advises choosing reputable brands and shops, and requesting official appraisal certificates from certified agencies.
The Dalian Gold and Silver Ornaments Supervision and Inspection Center, the only legally authorized testing agency in the region, is recognized nationally and internationally. Its certification holds legal validity and is widely accepted across China.
With this new standard in place, the hope is that the jewelry market will become more transparent, empowering consumers to make smarter, more confident purchases.
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