A number of foreign vendors of irradiated diamonds have misinformed potential customers regarding compliance with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) said.



Many gemstones – including diamonds, topaz and tourmaline – are commonly irradiated to alter their natural color. Even though the level of radiation is low and presents no health risk, irradiated stones are closely regulated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).



Irradiated diamonds may not be distributed in the US unless initially possessed and distributed by entities fully licensed to so by the NRC, JVC stated.



Once the stones have been released into the marketplace by a licensed entity they may be freely traded. JVC recommends that a warranty accompany any irradiated gemstone, regardless of the type, upon its release into the supply chain.



The warranty should assure full compliance with all licensing requirements, JVC added.



Information regarding NRC regulations and licenses are in the Essential Guide to the US Trade in Irradiated Gemstones issued jointly by JVC and the American Gem Trade Association, available on the JVC website.