Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS: FTC seeks public comment on proposed changes to Jewelry Guides, (Dec 28, 2015)

By Linda O’Brien, J.D., LL.M.

The FTC is seeking public comment on proposed changes to its Jewelry Guides—“Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries”—that provide advice to businesses on how to avoid making deceptive claims about precious metal, pewter, diamond, gemstone, and pearl products, and when to provide certain types of disclosures about the products, the agency announced today.

In 2012, as part of its systematic review of its rules and guides, the Commission sought public comment on the Guides’ costs and benefits, and on whether they should be repealed, amended, or retained in their current form. The agency 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 public roundtable in June 2013, the FTC proposes 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.”

Public comments must be received before April 4, 2016. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the Notice of Proposed Revisions to the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, which will be published in the Federal Register shortly.

News: ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews