Botswana plans to mandate that lab-grown diamonds be weighed in grams rather than carats, a move aimed at protecting the value and reputation of its natural diamond industry, vital to the nation’s economy. Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo confirmed that legislation will be introduced in the next parliamentary session. She emphasized that carat weight will be reserved exclusively for natural diamonds, while synthetics will be designated in grams, aligning Botswana with regulatory practices in Europe and Belgium.

The country’s President, Duma Boko, has been outspoken against LGD stressing they cannot be equated with natural gems. While the EU has adopted similar restrictions, the US continues to allow both natural and LGDs to be measured in carats.

The policy shift also reflects a broader international divide. While Europe has already legislated against using carat weights for synthetics, the United States continues to permit both natural and lab-grown diamonds to be measured in carats, a practice that critics argue contributes to confusion in consumer markets.

Industry observers note that Botswana’s decision is both strategic and symbolic. By reinforcing the uniqueness of natural diamonds through regulatory language, Botswana not only protects its mining revenues but also asserts leadership in shaping the narrative around authenticity and rarity in the global diamond trade.

Analysts suggest that if Botswana’s legislation proves successful, it may encourage other major diamond-producing nations to adopt similar policies, further sharpening the distinction between natural and lab-grown diamonds in international markets.