FTC Seeks Comment on Proposed Changes to Its Jewelry Guides

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on proposed changes to its Jewelry Guides.

The Guides (formally, the “Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries”) provide advice to businesses on how to avoid making deceptive claims about precious metal, pewter, diamond, gemstone, and pearl products, and when to provide certain types of disclosures  about the products.

In 2012, as part of its systematic review of its rules and guides, the Commission sought public comment on the Guides’ costs and benefits, and on whether they should be repealed, amended, or retained in their current form. It also requested comments on specific issues concerning composite gemstones, pearls, diamonds, and precious metal alloys, as well as comments regarding any other issues or concerns about the Guides.

Based on comments received, and on information obtained during a public roundtable in June 2013, the FTC proposes revisions to the Guides regarding below-threshold alloys, precious metal content of products containing more than one precious metal, surface application of precious metals, lead-glass filled stones, “cultured” diamonds, pearl treatments, varietals, and misuse of the word “gem.”

The Commission vote approving the Notice of Proposed Revisions to the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries was 4-0. It will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received on or before April 4, 2016. All comments received will be posted on the FTC’s website. (FTC File No. G711001; the staff contact is Reenah Kim, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2272)

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