Federal Register: December 15, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 242)
DOCID: FR Doc 00-31776
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Treasury Department
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 23
NOTICE: Part V
DOCUMENT ACTION: Final guides.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries
EFFECTIVE DATES: April 10, 2001.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The Federal Trade Commission (Commission) announces that it is revising Secs. 23.13 and 23.22 of the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries (Jewelry Guides or Guides), 16 CFR Part 23. The Commission has combined Sec. 23.13, which addresses the disclosure of diamond treatments, with Sec. 23.22, which addresses treatments of other gemstones. The Commission also has revised these sections to provide for disclosure of any treatment to gemstones that significantly affects the value of the gemstone, which would include laserdrilling of diamonds.
SUMMARY:
Federal Trade Commission,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
I. Introduction
The Commission announces that it is revising Secs. 23.13 and 23.22
of its Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries,
16 CFR Part 23 (Jewelry Guides or Guides). The Jewelry Guides address
claims made about precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, and pearl
products.\1\ The Guides explain how to describe these products
truthfully and nondeceptively and how to avoid unfair or deceptive
practices. Sections 23.13 and 23.22 of the Guides address the
disclosure of certain treatments to diamonds and other gemstones that
are performed to improve their beauty or durability. Some treatments
are not permanent because their effects fade over time. For example,
gemstones sometimes are treated with a colorless oil that improves the
color of the stone and helps to mask certain imperfections. Other
treated gemstones require special care to retain the benefit of the
treatment. For example, a stone that is fracturefilled (i.e., injected
with plastic or glass to hide cracks and improve its appearance) cannot
be cleaned with certain types of jewelry cleaners, because the cleaner
could adversely affect the treatment. In addition, recutting or re
setting a fracturefilled stone could damage the treatment.\2\ Other
gemstone treatments are permanent and do not create special care
requirements, but the treated gemstone is not as valuable as a similar untreated stone.
\1\ The Commission issues industry guides to provide guidance
for the public to conform with legal requirements. Industry guides
are administrative interpretations of the laws the Commission
administers. Industry guides explain how to describe products
truthfully and nondeceptively and identify practices the Commission considers unfair or deceptive.
\2\ The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) publishes a manual
that contains a comprehensive listing of gemstone treatments and
information regarding the permanence of the treatment and special care requirements. AGTA2 (022A).
On June 8, 1999, the Commission solicited comment on a proposal to
revise Sec. 23.13 of the Guides to require disclosure of laserdrilling
of diamonds.\3\ The Commission also solicited comment on a proposal to
revise Sec. 23.22 of the Guides, which addresses other gemstone
treatments, to provide for the disclosure of treatments similar to
laserdrillingthose that are permanent and do not create special care
requirements for the stone, but significantly affect the value of the
stone. The Commission received 40 comments.\4\ After reviewing these
comments, the Commission has decided to revise the Guides to provide
for disclosure of permanent gemstone treatments that significantly affect the value of the gemstone, such as laserdrilling.
\3\ 64 FR 30448 (June 8, 1999).
\4\ In the remainder of this FRN, the comments are cited to by
an abbreviation of the comment name and the comment number. Attached to this FRN as Appendix A is a list of the comment name,
abbreviation and comment number used to identify each commenter. The
comments numbered 1 to 21 were received in response to the
Commission's first request for comment dated June 8, 1999. 64 FR
30448. The comments numbered 1A to 22A were received after the
Commission extended the deadline to submit comments. 64 FR 37051
(July 9, 1999). Three comments were submitted twice, by US mail and
by electronic mail. These comments are listed once and are referred
to in this FRN by the number of the comment that was received first. II. Background
On December 9, 1998, two jewelry trade associations, the Jewelers
Vigilance Committee (JVC), a trade association promoting ethical
jewelry sales practices, and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers
Association of America (DMIA), jointly petitioned the Commission to
revise Sec. 23.13 of the Jewelry Guides to add laser drilling to the
list of diamond treatments that should be disclosed.\5\ Laser drilling
involves directing a laser beam at an inclusion and forcing acid
through the resulting tunnel, thereby removing the inclusion or
rendering it invisible to the naked eye. Thus, the diamond's appearance is improved.
\5\ Fifteen trade associations joined the JVC and DMIA petition:
World Federation of Diamond Bourses; International Diamond
Manufacturers Association; Diamond Promotion Services; Diamond
Dealers Club of New York; Gemological Institute of America;
International Society of Appraisers; Jewelers of America; American
Gemstone Society; American Gem Society; United States Carat Club;
International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls
and Stones; American Gemstone Trade Association; Manufacturing
Jewelers and Suppliers of America; International Standards
Organization; and Diamond High Council. The petition is on the
public record and copies are available by contacting the Public
Reference Branch, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC
20580. The petition also has been posted on the Commission's website
at www.ftc.gov>. For the remainder of this Federal Register Notice, the petition will be referred to as the JVC petition.
In a 1996 review of the Guides, the Commission determined, based on
the record before it, that the failure to disclose laserdrilling was
not unfair or deceptive. The evidence presented in the comments to the
Commission indicated that laserdrilling of diamonds was ``a common
practice and not an extraordinary process.'' \6\ Moreover, the evidence
demonstrated that, while laserdrilling produces a small surface
opening on a diamond, ``the majority of diamonds sold in the U.S. have
similar surface imperfections.'' \7\ Surface imperfections are to be
expected in diamonds, except in diamonds described as flawless. The
record also reflected that disclosing laserdrilling in each
advertisement or promotional description could be costly and the
additional advertising costs could be passed on to consumers in the
form of higher prices.\8\ At that time, there was a conflict in the
industry regarding the need for and the appropriateness of disclosure.
Therefore, the Commission decided not to amend Sec. 23.13 of the Guides to require disclosure.
\6\ 61 FR 27177, 27197 (May 30, 1996).
\7\ Id. at 27196.
\8\ Id. at 27197 n.30506.
The JVC petition asks the Commission to reconsider its decision
based on the following factors: (1) There is now widespread industry
support for disclosure; (2) the amendment would promote industry
disclosure and selfregulation; (3) disclosure would impose few costs
on retailers, and therefore, no increased costs to consumers; (4)
technological advances make it increasingly difficult for consumers to [[Page 78739]]
detect laserdrilling; (5) consumers would not necessarily learn about
laserdrilling through grading reports because most diamonds sold in
the US are small stones that typically are not accompanied by such a
report; (6) consumers may suffer economic injury by purchasing laser
drilled diamonds without disclosure, because such stones are worth less
than untreated diamonds; and, (7) laser drilling is no different than
other permanent artificial processes that affect the value of products
that already are required to be disclosed (e.g., cultured pearls must
be identified as ``cultured'' because they are created by humans
inserting an irritant into an oyster's shell and are worth less than natural pearls).
III. LaserDrilling of Diamonds
A. Request for Comment
The Commission tentatively concluded that the JVC petition
demonstrated, contrary to the record before the Commission in 1996,
that the failure to disclose laserdrilling is an unfair or deceptive
trade practice. Therefore, in June 1999 the Commission solicited
comment on a proposal to include laserdrilling as a treatment that
should be disclosed.\9\ The FRN posed several questions regarding this
proposed revision. Question 1 asked whether it was currently a
prevalent practice in the industry to disclose laserdrilling at all
levels of the transaction up to the sale to the consumer. Question 2
asked: ``Would a provision in the Jewelry Guides to disclose laser
drilling to consumers inhibit advertising or create additional costs
for retailers that could be passed on to consumers in the form of
significantly higher prices?'' Finally, Question 3 asked: ``Is there a
disparity in value between a laserdrilled diamond and an untreated diamond of the same clarity rating?'
\9\ 64 FR 30448.
B. Summary of the Comments
The comments, except for one, support revising the Guides to
provide for disclosure of laserdrilling. The comments responding to
Question 1, however, indicate that there is not an industry consensus
on whether disclosure currently is the prevalent practice. Two comments
state that disclosure is the industry practice.\10\ One comment states
that disclosure was the industry practice until the FTC revised the
Jewelry Guides in 1996.\11\ Because the Jewelry Guides, as revised in
1996, did not provide for disclosure of laserdrilling, this comment
asserts that some industry members stopped disclosing the treatment.
Two comments state simply that it is not an industry practice to
disclose.\12\ One comment explains that ethical sellers disclose but
unethical ones do not.\13\ With respect to Question 2 of the FRN, the
comments are unanimous that disclosure will not result in additional
costs.\14\ Finally, the comments, responding to Question 3 of the FRN,
are also unanimous that a laserdrilled diamond is worth less than a
similar untreated diamond.\15\ As one comment explains, a laserdrilled
stone is not as rare as an untreated stone and therefore is less costly.\16\
\10\ JVC (006A); AGTA1 (015A).
\11\ Matlins (001A).
\12\ NAJA (016); Zale (007A).
\13\ ISA (014).
\14\ Matlins (001A); ISA (014); NAJA (016); CJAO (005A); JVC1 (006A); Zale (007A); AGTA1 (015A).
\15\ Adamas (005); Sherman (007); Indenbaum (009); ISA (014);
NAJA (016); Gaenzle (017); Matlins (001A); Rapaport (002A); Green
(003A); Kapoor (004A); CJAO (005A); JVC1 (006A); Zale (007A); Dua (013A); AGTA1 (015A).
\16\ Matlins (001A); see also NAJA (016) (``laserdrilled diamonds are less costly than similar clarity, nondrilled
diamonds''); ISA (014) (``laserdrilled diamonds are generally less expensive than similar nontreated stones'').
C. Analysis of the Comments
The comments establish that a laserdrilled stone is worth less than an untreated stone of the same clarity rating. Diamonds are graded on clarity on a scale running from Flawless (F) to Included (I), reflecting the number and size of inclusions appearing in the stone.\17\ Laserdrilling can elevate a lesser quality diamond to a higher grade on standard clarity rating scales, increasing the stone's value. The JVC petition stated that the price differential between a diamond that has a natural black inclusion and one where laser drilling has removed the inclusion could be as much as twentyfive percent. Even more important, however, is the fact that the laserdrilled stone is worth less than a untreated stone of the equivalent clarity rating.\18\ \17\ The ratings in between, from highest to lowest, are: Internally Flawless (IF); Very, Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1); Very, Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2); Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1); Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2); Small Inclusions 1 (SI1); and Small Inclusions 2 (SI2).
\18\ JVC Petition, at 68.
For example, if a diamond has a clarity rating of SI1 and has a
natural black inclusion, the inclusion could be removed by laser
drilling, improving the clarity of the stone to VS2. The stone would
now be worth more than it was as a nonlaserdrilled stone with a
clarity rating of SI1. At the same time, the laserdrilled stone with a
clarity rating of VS2 is worth less than a nonlaserdrilled stone with
a clarity rating of VS2. Laserdrilling produces a small surface
opening on a diamond. These surface imperfections are similar to
natural surface imperfections that are expected in diamonds unless they
are described as flawless. Industry buyers and consumers nevertheless
have a preference for diamonds that contain only naturally occurring
imperfections.\19\ Accordingly, diamond appraisers and consumers place
a lower value on laserdrilled stones in comparison to nonlaser drilled stones of the same clarity.\20\
\19\ Matlins (01A); NAJA (011); ISA (014); AGTA2 (022A).
\20\ See ISA (014) (International Society of Appraisers comment
stating that ``laserdrilled diamonds are generally less expensive
than similar nontreated stones''); accord NAJA (011) (National
Association of Jewelry Appraisers); see also Gaenzle (017) (consumer
comment attaching a petition signed by 500 consumers requesting
revision of the Jewelry Guides to provide for disclosure of laser
drilling of diamonds because consumers are being deceived as to the value of laserdrilled diamonds).
In determining whether a practice is deceptive, the Commission
considers whether there is a representation or omission that is likely
to mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances.\21\ The
representation or omission must be material. Previously, the Commission
had no basis on which to conclude that there were any significant
differences between naturally occurring and manmade inclusions. New
evidence, provided in response to the FRN suggests, however, that
consumers and appraisers place a lower value on laserdrilled diamonds
than on comparable diamonds with naturally occurring inclusions.
Because laserdrilled diamonds are worth less than comparable non
drilled diamonds, failure to disclose laserdrilling may lead consumers
to believe a laserdrilled stone is as valuable as an untreated stone
of the same clarity rating.\22\ In addition, not providing for
disclosure inadvertently may have created an avenue for unscrupulous
marketers to overcharge consumers for laserdrilled stones. Consumers
are at a disadvantage due to the imbalance of information that
currently exists regarding laserdrilling of diamonds. As a result,
unscrupulous marketers can charge consumers the same price for a laser
drilled stone with, e.g., a VS2 clarity rating, that they would charge for a untreated stone with
[[Page 78740]]
a VS2 clarity rating, even though the laserdrilled stone is worth less than the untreated stone.\23\
\21\ Deception Policy Statement, Cliffdale Associates, Inc., 103
F.T.C. 110, 174 (1984), Letter dated Oct. 14, 1983, from the Commission to Chairman John D. Dingell.
\22\ See Gaenzle (017) (consumer comment attaching a petition
signed by 500 consumers requesting revision of the Jewelry Guides to
provide for disclosure of laserdrilling of diamonds because
consumers are being deceived as to the value of laserdrilled diamonds).
\23\ Although laserdrilling adds to the cost of a stone, the
amount added is substantially less than the price differential
between a nonlasered stone of a certain clarity rating and a stone
that achieves that clarity rating as a result of laserdrilling. JVC Petition, at 68.
Because the record indicates that failure to disclose laser
drilling may mislead consumers as to the value of the diamond, the
Commission has concluded that failure to disclose laserdrilling is
deceptive and that the benefits to consumers of requiring sellers to
disclose laserdrilling outweigh any potential costs.\24\ Accordingly,
the Commission is revising the Jewelry Guides to require laserdrilling
of diamonds to be disclosed. The manner in which the Guides require disclosure of this treatment is discussed in Part V below.
\24\ As explained above, the JVC petition asserts that
disclosure will not result in additional costs because it is already
industry practice to disclose laserdrilling at all levels of the
transaction up to the sale to the consumers. Although the comments
do not agree that disclosure is currently a widespread industry
practice, the industry unanimously asserts that disclosure of laser
drilling to consumers will not result in additional costs that could
be passed on to them in the form of higher prices. Thus, to the
extent requiring disclosure changes industry practice, the changed
practice will benefit consumers. Further, the disclosure requirement
does not apply to general ads; the Guides only require that disclosure be made prior to sale.
IV. Other Permanent Gemstone Treatments
A. Request for Comment
The Commission's FRN also sought comment regarding proposed changes to Sec. 23.22 of the Guides, which addresses treatments to gemstones generally. This section states that it is unfair or deceptive to fail to disclose that a gemstone has been treated in any manner that is not permanent or that creates special care requirements and to fail to disclose that the treatment is not permanent, if such is the case. As explained above, some gemstone treatments are not permanent and, as a result, the color of the stone may fade or inclusions may become more visible as the treatment fades. In addition, some treated gemstones require special care. The Commission determined, during the 1996 revision of the Guides, that consumers would not expect a gemstone to change over time and should be made aware of any special care requirements necessary to preserve the product. Accordingly, Sec. 23.22 provides for disclosure of nonpermanent gemstone treatments and treatments that create special care requirements for the gemstone.
In light of the petition's evidence about laserdrilling, the Commission sought comment on whether consumers may be injured by non disclosure of other permanent gemstone treatments that do not create special care requirements but do affect the value of the stone. For instance, sapphires are often heat treated to enhance their color. This treatment is permanent and does not create special care requirements. An untreated sapphire, however, could be considered more valuable than a heattreated stone, and absent disclosure consumers may be deceived as to the value of the stone. Further, new technologies for treating gemstones are continually developing that might affect the value of the gemstone, similar to how laserdrilling affects the value of diamonds. Accordingly, the Commission asked whether Sec. 23.22 of the Jewelry Guides should be revised to require disclosure of permanent treatments that do not require special care, if the treatment has a significant effect on the stone's value and a consumer, acting reasonably under the circumstances, could not ascertain that the stone has been treated.
Specifically, the FRN asked: ``Is there a disparity in value between a gemstone treated in a manner that is permanent and does not require special care and one that is not treated? How many different gemstones and gemstone treatments fall into this category?'' The FRN also asked whether industry policy provides for disclosure of permanent gemstone treatments that do not create special care requirements. Finally, the FRN asked: ``Would guidance in the Jewelry Guides calling for disclosure of permanent gemstone treatments that do not require special care inhibit advertising or create additional costs for retailers that could be passed on to consumers in the form of significantly higher prices? Would this guidance adversely impact competition in any way?''
B. Summary of the Comments
The comments state that currently it is not a widespread industry
policy to disclose permanent gemstone treatments that do not create
special care requirements.\25\ But, the comments also contend that
requiring disclosure of these treatments would not inhibit advertising
or create additional costs for retailers in most instances.\26\ Thus,
overall, the comments support amending the Guides to provide for disclosure of permanent gemstone treatments.\27\
\25\ The following comments state that current industry policy
is not to disclose. ISA (014); NAJA (016); Gaenzle (017); Matlins
(001A); CJAO (005A). The following comments recommend disclosure. JVC1 (006A); Zale (00A); AGTA1 (015A).
\26\ ISA (014); NAJA (016); Matlins (001A); Kapoor (004A); JVC1 (006A); Zale (007A); AGTA1 (015A).
\27\ See DMIA (002); Lange (003); Chuck (004); Adamas (005);
DiamondDude (006); Shrake (013); ISA (014); JIC1 (015); Gaenzle
(017); JIC2 (018); Miranda (020); Matlins (001A); CJAO (005A); JVC
1 (006A); Zale (007A); Bothra (008A); Baum (011A); GE1 (014A); AGTA1 (015A); NRF (017A); AIS (018A).
Eight comments discussed whether there is a disparity in value
between a gemstone treated in a manner that is permanent and does not
require special care and one that is not treated. All eight assert that
a treated gemstone is less valuable than a untreated gemstone even if
the treatment is permanent and does not create special care requirements.\28\
\28\ Matlins (001A); Adamas (005); NAJA (016); ISA (014); CJAO (005A); JVC1 (006A); Zale (007A); AGTA1 (015A).
A number of comments also address the two proposed conditions that would trigger a disclosure: (1) The treatment has a significant effect on the stone's value; and, (2) a consumer, acting reasonably under the circumstances, could not ascertain that the stone has been treated. These proposed conditions generated significant comment, as discussed below.
C. Analysis of Comments
Based on the record and for the same reasons that the Commission is
now requiring laser drilling to be disclosed, the Commission has
determined that the Guides should require disclosure of permanent
gemstone treatments that significantly affect a stone's value. As one
comment explains ``[t]here is definitely a disparity in price between
natural unenhanced gemstones, and those which are enhanced. And it does
not matter whether the treatment is permanent or not, or whether
special care is required * * * Treated gems are less rare than non
treated gems, and cost less.''\29\ For example, blue sapphires are
often heat treated to enhance their color. This treatment is permanent
and the stone does not require special care. If one compared two
sapphires of the same size and clarity but one obtained its rich, blue
color naturally and the other from heat treatment, the treated sapphire would be worth less.\30\ In fact,
[[Page 78741]]
there are some retailers that specialize in untreated stones and charge a premium for these products.\31\
\29\ Matlins (001A); see also Adamas (005) (``[t]reatments
applied to gemstones significantly effect the cost and ultimate
value''); NAJA (016) (``[t]here is a disparity in rarity of treated
vs. natural gemstones and therefore almost always some price differential exists.'').
\30\ Matlins (001A). This commenter explains, however, that
untreated sapphires often do not sell for a higher price than
treated stones. Some retailers do not charge a premium for the
naturally colored stones because in order to explain the price
differential the retailer would have to disclose that the other stones were treated.
\31\ Id.
1. Conditions Triggering Disclosure
a. Significant Effect on Value. Although the record establishes that there is a disparity in value between treated and untreated gemstones, failure to disclose the treatment is deceptive only if the omission is material to consumers. Thus, the purpose of the first conditionthat the treatment have a significant effect on valuewas to trigger disclosure in circumstances where the information would be important to consumers and not where there were small value changes that were not likely to affect consumers' purchasing decisions. In addition, the Commission did not intend for the Guides to require disclosure of routine processing treatments, such as cutting and polishing, that all stones undergo that enhance their value. The comments, however, question whether conditioning disclosure upon whether the treatment has an effect on value is necessary and whether the term ``significant'' should modify this condition.
First, a few comments assert that the phrase ``effect on value'' is unclear. The comments note that the proposed language does not indicate what kind of effect on value triggers disclosure.\32\ They note that treatments have two effects on valuefirst, the stone is more valuable than it was before it was treated; second, the stone may be less valuable than a similar untreated stone. As explained above, the Commission is concerned with the effect on value that is material to a consumer's purchasing decision, i.e., whether the treated stone is less valuable than a comparable untreated stone.
\32\ NRF (017A); Zale (007A); AIS (018A).
Another commenter, AGTA, opposes tying the treatment disclosure to value, stating:
All treatments, permanent or otherwise, are performed to
increase the value of untreated material. To propose otherwise implies that when comparing two gemstones with similar
characteristics of quality, one treated and another untreated, they
should be considered of equal value. This goes directly against the
fundamental property of ``rarity'' with respect to untreated gemstones.\33\
\33\ AGTA2 (022A) (emphasis in original).
Thus, AGTA instead proposes that all treatments to gemstones be
disclosed regardless of permanence, special care, or their effect on value.
The Commission finds, however, that failure to disclose a gemstone
treatment is deceptive only if absent disclosure consumers would
falsely believe that the treated gemstone is as valuable as a similar
untreated stone. Any treatment that in fact affects the value of a
gemstone in a way that is material to consumers must be disclosed under the revised Guide.\34\
\34\ If, in fact, all treatments have such an effect on the
value of gemstones, then all treatments will need to be disclosed.
There may, however, be some exceptions, such as the treatments to
very small gemstones in jewelry pieces, which is discussed below.
Second, with respect to the term ``significant,'' several comments
state that the term ``significant'' does not provide sufficient
guidance as to when disclosure is required.\35\ One comment explains
that the word ``significant'' could create a loophole for unethical
sellers to avoid disclosure by arguing that the treatment's effect on
the value of the stone was not significant.\36\ The Commission
concludes that the term ``significant'' is necessary to limit the
disclosure requirement to instances where the failure to disclose
treatment information would be deceptive. Disclosure of permanent
treatments is necessary only where the treatment's effect on value is likely to affect a consumer's purchasing decision.
\35\ Gaenzle (017); JVC1 (006A); NRF (017A); GE2 (020A). \36\ GE2 (020A).
The Commission often uses the term ``significant'' to establish
materiality, that is claims or omissions that are likely to affect
purchasing decisions. For example, the Commission's Deception Policy
Statement explains that the Commission considers certain categories of information presumptively material, including claims that
``significantly involve health, safety, or other areas with which the
reasonable consumer would be concerned,'' including a claim that
``concerns the purpose, safety, efficacy or cost of the product or
service.'' \37\ Thus, the inclusion of the word ``significant'' is
meant to provide a practical, common sense limitation on when disclosures should be made.
\37\ Deception Policy Statement, 103 F.T.C. at 18283 (emphasis
added, footnotes omitted). In addition, prior orders and guides also
tie disclosures to situations involving significance. For example,
an order against a pharmaceutical company prohibits the company from
representing that ``any such [mouthwash] product will have any
significant beneficial effect on the symptoms of sore throats.''
WarnerLambert Co., 92 F.T.C. 191, 192 (1978) (emphasis added).
Similarly, the Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims provide ``[i]f an incidental component
significantly limits the ability to recycle a product or package, a
claim of recyclability would be deceptive.'' 16 CFR 260.7(d) (emphasis added).
The Commission also acknowledges that the value of the gemstone in
a piece of jewelry may not be determinative of the price. Factors such
as the workmanship of the piece and overall beauty undoubtedly affect
the price charged for the product. Holding these factors constant,
however, retailers should evaluate whether the gemstone treatment makes
the product less valuable than it would be if it contained an untreated
stone. The difference in value as a result of a gemstone treatment,
although not large from the seller's point of view, might be
significant to consumers who might reasonably expect to pay less for a
product containing a treated stone or would choose a piece with an
untreated stone if the treatment were disclosed. The consumer's point
of view is the relevant viewpoint from which to analyze the necessity for disclosure.\38\
\38\ In evaluating whether a treatment should be disclosed
retailers could ask themselves how a consumer would react if he
discovers this treatment after he leaves the store (for example,
when he takes the stone to an appraiser or attempts to sell the piece).
b. Consumer Acting Reasonably under the Circumstances. The comments
also expressed concern regarding the second condition that triggered
disclosure in the Commission's proposed changes to Sec. 23.22i.e., a
consumer, acting reasonably under the circumstances, could not
ascertain that the stone has been treated. This condition was designed
to incorporate the concept of ``reasonableness,'' which is an element
of deception.\39\ The test is whether it is reasonable for consumers to
believe that two seemingly identical stones are identical or very
comparable in value based either on the ad, the stones themselves or
the seller's representation, about other characteristics of the stone (e.g., carat weight, cut and color).\40\
\39\ In addition, it was designed to determine alternatively whether an element of unfairness had been met.
\40\ Deception Policy Statement, 103 F.T.C. at 174.
Based on the comments, the Commission concludes that consumers
acting reasonably under the circumstances, in the absence of
disclosure, could believe (incorrectly) that the treated stone and
untreated stone have the same or nearly the same value. Thus, the
Commission has determined that failure to disclose a gemstone treatment
that has a significant effect on the value of the stone may mislead
reasonable consumers as to the value of the stone and has revised the guide to require
[[Page 78742]]
disclosure of such treatments. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to
consider further whether a consumer could avoid injury by taking
affirmative action, such as seeking an independent appraisal, before
purchasing the product or to limit the disclosure requirement to
situations where the consumer could not otherwise learn that the stone had been treated.\41\
\41\ Because the omission or any implied misrepresentations may
mislead consumers, the Commission has concluded that it is not
necessary to determine separately whether the practice is unfair. 2. Additional Issues Raised in the Comments
Although the comments support revising the Guides to provide for disclosure of permanent gemstone treatments that significantly affect the value of the gemstone, the comments raise two additional concerns regarding when disclosure is necessary. These concerns relate to disclosure of undetectable treatments and treatments to very small gemstones.
a. Undetectable Treatments. Several comments note that some
gemstone treatments are not detectable, even by experts. These comments
express concern that requiring disclosure of any gemstone treatment
that has a significant effect on the stone's value would put retailers
at a high risk for lawsuits for failing to disclose treatments even
when the seller did not know or have reason to know about the
treatments.\42\ This concern stems largely from the new GE diamond
treatment that is performed on diamonds with inferior color (e.g.,
brown or very yellow diamonds), which permanently and greatly improves
their color without any need for special care.\43\ Currently, this
treatment is not detectable.\44\ Since the treatment only recently
became available, it is unclear whether it will affect a diamond's
value. Some industry groups have opined that the treatment will affect
a diamond's value and, therefore, disclosure would be required under
the proposed Guides.\45\ Because the treatment is undetectable,
however, these comments propose adding to Sec. 23.22 a phrase that
permanent treatments should be disclosed ``if said treatments are known
or reasonably should have been known to the seller at the time of sale.'' \46\
\42\ JVC1 (006A); Zale (007A); NRF (017A).
\43\ See, e.g., JVC1 (006A); AIS (018A); Adamas (005);
DiamondDude (006); Matlins (001A). In fact, the introduction of this
treatment was the impetus for many comments' support for disclosure
of permanent gemstone treatments that do not create special care requirements.
\44\ GE1 (014A).
\45\ E.g., AIS (018A); JVC1 (006A). General Electric
voluntarily is disclosing the treatment right now. GE1 (014A). \46\ JVC1 (006A); accord Zale (007A); NRF (017A).
Adding such a phrase, however, might provide unscrupulous marketers
with an opportunity to avoid disclosure by arguing that they did not
know the gemstone had been treated. AGTA strongly opposes the addition
of this language, noting such language would ``leave loopholes in
gemstone enhancement disclosure guidelines that would ultimately be
damaging to our trade.'' \47\ AGTA publishes a manual on gemstone
treatments that advises that if a gemstone falls into a group that is
routinely enhanced, the seller must assume that it has been enhanced,
even if he is unaware of whether the treatment has been performed or not, and disclose the treatment.\48\
\47\ AGTA2 (022A).
\48\ Id.
The Commission has decided not to add the limiting phrase because all members of the jewelry industry, not just retailers, have an obligation to disclose treatments to others in the line of distribution and a duty to make reasonable inquiries about whether the products they are purchasing have been treated. At the same time, the Commission is mindful that responsible retailers may be misled about whether the gemstones they have purchased have been treated or not. The Commission's ability and willingness to exercise prosecutorial discretion in such situations should alleviate retailers' concerns that they unreasonably would be held accountable for others' illegal conduct. To address the concern raised in the comments, however, the Commission has added a note to Sec. 23.22 reiterating that the disclosures outlined in this section are applicable to sellers at every level of trade, as defined in Sec. 23.0(b) of these Guides.\49\ \49\ Several comments indicated that the Guides should specify that the disclosure provisions apply to all levels of trade.
b. Treatments to Small Gemstones. Several comments relate an
additional concern regarding treatments to very small gemstones, such
as stones weighing less than .10 carat.\50\ These comments explain that
very small stones generally are sold mounted in jewelry, not loose.
Efforts to inspect the stones individually to detect treatments would
be very expensive and would likely result in higher consumer
prices.\51\ In addition, the detection efforts might destroy the
piece.\52\ The comments further state that the price of the piece is
not based on the value of the individual gemstones but on the jewelry
piece as a whole. These comments request that the Commission craft an
exemption to the disclosure provisions for very small stones.\53\ \50\ Zale (007A); NRF (017A); Indenbaum (009).
\51\ One retailer stated that it could not continue to sell
these types of pieces if disclosure were required because the cost would be so prohibitive. Zale (007A).
\52\ Zale (007A).
\53\ Zale (007A); NRF (017A); Indenbaum (009).
The Commission has determined that an exemption is not necessary to address gemstone disclosures for very small stones. If, as the comments state, the price of the piece is not based on the value of each individual gemstone, a permanent gemstone treatment performed on some or all of the stones may not significantly affect the value of a jewelry product containing very small gemstones. Thus, disclosure may not be required under the revised Guide.
The Guides, however, already require, regardless of the stone's size, that nonpermanent gemstone treatments or treatments requiring special care still be disclosed. When the Commission revised the Guides to require disclosure of these treatments, it did not exempt very small gemstones. The Commission explained in 1996 that ``if consumers are unaware of the nonpermanency of a treatment or the special care requirements associated with a treatment, the gemstone may not meet their expectations, if the color fades or inclusions appear, etc.''\54\ This reasoning applies to all jewelry products regardless of the size of the gemstones contained in the product.
\54\ 61 FR 27207.
In addition, individual inspection of each stone is not necessary to disclose gemstone treatments. For example, if a jewelry piece contains very small emeralds, the retailer could disclose that the emeralds have likely been oiled and disclose that the treatment is not permanent and the special care requirements necessary to care for oiled emeralds. It is prudent and appropriate to disclose gemstone treatments, rather than remain silent, where there is a possibility that the stones have been treated.
The Commission is aware of several large retailers that currently
employ this practice. For instance, some retailers selling jewelry on
the Internet include a general disclosure on their websites such as:
``Gemstone products are often treated to enhance their beauty. Some of
these treatments are not permanent or the stone requires special care.
Click here for more information about gemstone treatments.'' The link
then provides information about gemstone treatments, including whether the
[[Page 78743]]
treatments are permanent or require any special care to maintain. In
addition, as required by the Guides, these disclosures are provided
prior to consummation of the sale. Other large retailers use counter
placards that are clearly and conspicuously placed above display cases
showcasing gemstone products. The placards include general disclosures
about gemstone treatments and direct consumers to ask a salesperson for
more information. Pamphlets providing information about gemstone
treatments are available on the counter near the placards. These
methods of gemstone treatment disclosure comply with the Jewelry Guides
and can be used to disclose gemstone treatments that significantly affect the value of gemstones.
V. Revisions to the Guides
As noted above, the Commission is revising the Jewelry Guides to require disclosure of laserdrilling and other permanent gemstone treatments that significantly affect the value of the gemstone. The Commission has determined to combine Secs. 23.13 and 23.22. The first section addresses the disclosure of diamond treatments and the second addresses gemstone treatments. The current sections, and the originally proposed revisions, are not identical. Many comments requested that the Commission make the two sections consistent. The Commission has determined that there is no reason to treat the disclosure of treatments to diamonds and to gemstones differently. Therefore, the Commission is combining the two sections. Section 23.13, in the diamonds section of the Guides, will direct readers to Sec. 23.22, which will address treatments to all gemstones, including diamonds.
Section 23.22 of the Guides is revised to include three sub paragraphs addressing three categories of gemstone treatments. Section 23.22(a) require disclosure of nonpermanent gemstone treatments and the fact that the treatment is not permanent. Section 23.22(b) requires disclosure of treatments that create special care requirements for the gemstone and advises sellers to disclose what those requirements are. Section 23.22(c) requires disclosure of gemstone treatments that significantly affect a stone's value.
Previously, the sections listed the various treatments that should
be disclosed. The comments indicate that the jewelry industry is
continually developing new treatments.\55\ Thus, any examples of
treatments included in the Guides could be outofdate fairly quickly.
Therefore, the Commission has determined that the Guides would be more
useful to the industry if the treatment disclosure provisions provide
general guidance that could be applied to whatever treatments are being
used. Information regarding the application of the Guides to specific
treatments will be addressed in the Commission's consumer and business
education materials.\56\ Finally, as noted above, revised Sec. 23.22
contains a note stating that the disclosure provisions apply to all levels of trade.
\55\ E.g., Matlins (001A); AIS (018A).
\56\ For at least 20 years, the Commission has published a
consumer education pamphlet describing the Jewelry Guides and
advising consumers on jewelry industry terms and practices. This
publication has been revised several times over the years to address
developments in the industry. In 1998, the Commission published a
business guide to assist business in complying with the Guides.
These publications, ``All That Glitters: How to Buy Jewelry,'' and
the business guide, ``In the Loupe: Advertising Diamonds, Gemstones
and Pearls,'' are available by contacting the FTC Consumer Response
Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580, (877)
FTCHELP or from the FTC website at www.ftc.gov>.
The Commission also notes that for at least the past 10 years, AGTA has published a Gemstone Information Manual, which details gemstone enhancements and provides information regarding the permanency of treatments and special care requirements. This manual is updated frequently and can respond to industry trends more rapidly and with greater precision than the FTC Jewelry Guides. The industry is encouraged to use this and other industry resources in conjunction with the Commission's Jewelry Guides to avoid unfair or deceptive trade practices.
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 23
Advertising, Jewelry, Labeling, and Trade practices.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Federal Trade
Commission amends Chapter I of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 23GUIDES FOR THE JEWELRY, PRECIOUS METALS, AND PEWTER INDUSTRIES.
1. The authority citation for part 23 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 6, 5, 38 Stat. 721, 719; 15 U.S.C. 46, 45.
2. Revise Sec. 23.13 to read as follows:
Sec. 23.13 Disclosure of treatments to diamonds
A diamond is a gemstone product. Treatments to diamonds should be
disclosed in the manner prescribed in Sec. 23.22 of these guides, Disclosure of treatments to gemstones.
3. Revise Sec. 23.22 to read as follows:
Sec. 23.22 Disclosure of treatments to gemstones.
It is unfair or deceptive to fail to disclose that a gemstone has been treated if:
(a) The treatment is not permanent. The seller should disclose that
the gemstone has been treated and that the treatment is or may not be permanent;
(b) The treatment creates special care requirements for the
gemstone. The seller should disclose that the gemstone has been treated
and has special care requirements. It is also recommended that the
seller disclose the special care requirements to the purchaser;
(c) The treatment has a significant effect on the stone's value.
The seller should disclose that the gemstone has been treated.
Note to Sec. 23.22: The disclosures outlined in this section are
applicable to sellers at every level of trade, as defined in
Sec. 23.0(b) of these Guides, and they may be made at the point of
sale prior to sale; except that where a jewelry product can be
purchased without personally viewing the product, (e.g., direct mail
catalogs, online services, televised shopping programs) disclosure
should be made in the solicitation for or description of the product.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
Note: The following appendix will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Appendix A
Abbreviation Number Commenter
Gross........................... 001 Gross Diamond Corporation.
DMIA............................ 002 Diamond Manufacturers & Importers
Association of America.
Lange........................... 003 Erik Lange.
Chuck........................... 004 Chuck diamonds@execpc.com>.
Adamas.......................... 005 Adamas Gemological Laboratory.
Diamond Dude.................... 006 Diamond Dude.
Sherman......................... 007 Alan Sherman. [[Page 78744]]
Rist............................ 008 John Rist.
Indenbaum....................... 009 Arthur Indenbaum.
Brown........................... 010 Grahame Brown.
Sagan........................... 011 Van Sagan.
Park City....................... 012 Park City Jewelers.
Shrake.......................... 013 Jim Shrake.
ISA............................. 014 International Society of Appraisers.
JIC1........................... 015 Jewelry Information Center comment 1.
NAJA............................ 016 The National Association of Jewelry
Appraisers.
Gaenzle......................... 017 Bonnie Burton Gaenzle.
JIC2........................... 018 Jewelry Information Center comment 2.
Jensen.......................... 019 Karen Jensen.
Miranda......................... 020 Jose Miranda.
Themelis........................ 021 Ted Themelis.
Matlins......................... 001A Antoinette Leonard Matlins.
Rapaport........................ 002A (& 010A) Martin Rapaport.
Green........................... 003A Green Brothers LLC.
Kapoor.......................... 004A (& 009A) Amit Kapoor.
CJAO............................ 005A (& 0012A) CJAO.
JVC1........................... 006A Jewelers Vigilance Committee comment 1.
Zale............................ 007A Zale Corporation.
Bothra.......................... 008A Dharmesh Bothra.
Baum............................ 011A Baum Diamonds.
Dua............................. 013A Deep Singh Dua.
GE1............................ 014A General Electric comment 1.
AGTA1.......................... 015A American Gem Trade Association comment 1.
MasonKay....................... 016A MasonKay, Inc.
NRF............................. 017A National Retail Federation.
AIS............................. 018A Appraisal Information Services.
JVC2........................... 019A Jewelers Vigilance Committee comment 2.
GE2............................ 020A General Electric comment 2.
Real Gems....................... 021A Real Gems, Inc.
AGTA2.......................... 022A American Gem Trade Association comment 2.
[FR Doc. 0031776 Filed 121400; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 675001P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Robin Rosen Spector, Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580, (202) 3263740, jewelry@ftc.gov>.