When you’re buying an engagement ring, it helps to know what the paperwork actually tells you. A grading report describes the diamond, a sourcing declaration addresses its supply chain and a jeweller’s warranty sets out the aftercare cover.
The World Diamond Council’s deadline for switching to its revised diamond sourcing declaration passed on 21 September 2026. The change covers polished diamonds and diamond jewellery, as well as rough stones, traded within its System of Warranties framework.
The WDC’s announcement marks the end of a five-year transition following the revision introduced in 2021. It is an industry self-regulation measure, rather than a new law for Welsh shoppers.
Diamond grading and sourcing: what is the difference?
When choosing a natural diamond engagement ring, check what grading information is provided for the centre stone. Lily Arkwright’s natural diamond collection, for example, describes its diamonds as graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This helps you assess the stone’s characteristics. Evidence about sourcing answers a separate question.
GIA’s guide to its natural diamond reports distinguishes its standard Diamond Grading Report from its Diamond Origin Report, which also identifies geographic origin for eligible stones assessed through that service.
The distinction matters when a buyer wants to know where a diamond was mined. A standard grading report and a report containing geographic origin are different documents. Ask to see the report for the particular stone under consideration, rather than assuming every ring in a collection comes with the same information.
What changed in diamond sourcing declarations?
Businesses using the WDC System of Warranties should now put the revised declaration on relevant invoices and memos, update supporting records and check that participating suppliers and trading partners are using it too.
The system passes sourcing assurances between businesses as diamonds change hands. According to the WDC’s explanation of the revision, the updated framework incorporates broader responsible business principles, including human rights, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. Those principles were introduced in 2021; the September deadline ended the transition period.
Kimberley Process certificates accompany international shipments of rough diamonds; they are not individual certificates issued for each polished stone. The WDC’s System of Warranties extends sourcing assurances through subsequent business-to-business transactions, including diamond jewellery.
Buyers should still ask what supports a sourcing statement. The passing of a deadline does not establish that every seller participates, or provide a universal guarantee about every environmental or ethical concern associated with a diamond.
A diamond sourcing warranty is different from aftercare
A jeweller’s aftercare warranty is separate from the WDC sourcing declaration. Before ordering, ask what it covers and which exclusions apply. Keep the terms alongside your receipt and diamond report.
What does this mean for engagement ring buyers in Wales?
For buyers in Wales, this deadline does not introduce a new consumer certificate to collect. Whether buying in a shop or online, use it as a prompt to ask what each document proves:
- Which grading report belongs to this diamond, and what does it record?
- What sourcing evidence can you provide for this stone?
- If you refer to the WDC system, what documentation supports that statement?
- Is the diamond’s country of origin documented?
- What does the aftercare warranty cover, and which exclusions apply?
Ask for explanations in plain English and get any important assurances in writing before placing an order.
