The Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline for submitting public comments on proposed amendments to its Jewelry Guides.
The Jewelry Guides (formally, the “Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries”) explain to businesses how to avoid making deceptive claims about precious metal, pewter, diamond, gemstone, and pearl products, including what types of disclosures are needed .
In 2012, as part of its systematic review of its rules and guides, the Commission sought public comments on the Guides’ costs and benefits, and on whether they should be repealed, amended, or retained in their current form. It also requested comments on specific issues concerning composite gemstones, pearls, diamonds, and precious metal alloys, as well as comments regarding any other issues or concerns about the Guides.
Based on comments received and on information obtained during a June 2013 public roundtable, in January 2016, the agency proposed, and sought public comments on, revisions to the Guides regarding below-threshold alloys, precious metal content of products containing more than one precious metal, surface application of precious metals, lead-glass filled stones, “cultured” diamonds, pearl treatments, varietals, and misuse of the word “gem.”
Based on a request by a trade association representing jewelry industry members, the FTC is extending the public comment period by 60 days.
The Commission vote approving the notice to extend the public comment period on the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries was 4-0. The notice will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received on or before June 3, 2016. All comments received will be posted on the FTC’s website. (FTC File No. G711001; the staff contact is Reenah Kim, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2272)
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.