Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection
Jewelry Guides and Information

Navy Blue Divider - Full


Commission Advisory Opinions

Gold Markings

Impropriety of description of "14 K" for item not entirely gold
31 FR 5287 § 15.25 (Apr. 2, 1966)

Improper use of terms such as "gold filled" or "rolled gold plate"
31 FR 8521 § 15.61 (June 18, 1966)

Rejection of description "golden" for nongold thimble
31 FR 9977 § 15.73 (July 22, 1966)

"Solid" and "karat" used together in describing articles composed of gold
34 FR 8406 § 15.129 (June 13, 1967)

Marking of 18 karat white gold ring with platinum baguette prongs
33 FR 18991 § 15.313 (Dec. 20, 1968)

Use of "12 karat gold filled" to describe earrings
34 FR 15643 § 15.371 (Oct. 9, 1969)

Use of the words "Golden Finish," "Gold Brushed," and "Golden Manner," in advertising of certain gold plated costume jewelry
38 FR 28278 § 15.468 (Oct. 12, 1973)

Designation of gold content on ball point pens
38 FR 28279 § 15.471 (Oct. 12, 1973)

Representations of gold content on jewelry
38 FR 28280 § 15.476 (Oct. 12, 1973)

Marking of Jewelry Made from Gold and Silver Alloy [PDF only]
85 F.T.C. 1197 (1975)

Marking of Jewelry Produced from 14K Gold Sheet Laminated with Sterling [PDF only]
89 F.T.C. 651 (1977)

Diamond Claims

Advertising of diamonds as "clear, pure color"
31 FR 8521 § 15.60 (June 18, 1966)

Use of unqualified word "Diamond" to describe abrasive discs containing other materials
33 FR 8539 § 15.256 (June 11, 1968)

Unqualified use of the word "Jewel" disapproved for advertising synthetic diamond
38 FR 28270 § 15.428 (Oct. 12, 1973)

Term "Diamonflare" disapproved for advertising a diamond product which is not a natural diamond
38 FR 28274 § 15.449 (Oct. 12, 1973)

Gemstone Claims

Synthetic emeralds
33 FR 9287 § 15.260 (June 25, 1968)

Legality of describing green tourmaline as "Emerald Green Tourmaline" or "Precious Tourmaline"
33 FR 10205 § 15.267 (July 17, 1968)

Paua shell being described as "marine opal"
33 FR 14637 § 15.292 (Oct. 1, 1968)

Country of Origin Markings

Necessity of disclosing country of origin of imported watch bands
33 FR 11702 § 15.275 (Aug. 17, 1968)

Disclosure of country of origin of imported watch bands
33 FR 17626 § 15.310 (Nov. 26, 1968)

Origin labeling on kits containing imported beads
35 FR 5174 § 15.406 (Mar. 27, 1970)

Miscellaneous Jewelry Representations

Quality designation on jewelry of identical construction
35 FR 10951 § 15.426 (July 8, 1970)

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 07, 2001