What should be printed on jewelry packaging and care cards?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Print only what is true, and keep it consistent with the product page. Include the metal and fineness, the stone type with lab-grown wording where it applies, care steps, and contact details. We found no single list of required items, since rules differ by country, so check each market.

What the guides say

Fact 16 CFR 23.5 says that the words "Sterling Silver", "Sterling" or "Ster." should be used only for products that are at least 925/1,000ths pure silver, and that the unqualified word "silver" should be preceded by an equally conspicuous fineness designation.

Fact 16 CFR 23.25 says words such as "gem", "gemstone" or a stone name used for a laboratory-grown stone should be immediately preceded with equal conspicuousness by "laboratory-grown" or a similar term.

Fact 16 CFR 23.24 says treatments should be disclosed where they are not permanent, create special care needs or affect value significantly.

Fact GIA says chlorine (as in household bleach) and abrasives such as household cleansers or toothpaste should never be used when cleaning diamonds, especially those set in jewelry.

A starting checklist

1. Brand name and contact details.
2. Metal and fineness, for example 925 sterling silver.
3. Stone type, with lab-grown wording, and treatment if any.
4. Care: wipe after wear, store dry, avoid chemicals.
5. A way to reach you for questions.

Our advice Have each statement checked against your supplier documents.

It depends Other markets may require marks, language or importer details.

Proofing the card

Our advice Print a proof and read it aloud against your product data sheet. Check spelling, the metal and fineness, the stone wording and the contact details. Ask someone outside the company to read it and say what they think the product is. If their answer differs from yours, change the card.

Our advice Keep the card short and legible. A few clear lines on cleaning, storage and contact details are read more often than a long list of rules.

Uncertain We did not verify mandatory labelling items in the EU, UK or other markets, and this is not legal advice.

Related reading: What should I do if my jewelry arrives damaged or not as described? · Custom Jewelry Packaging Specification Checklist

Sources

• 16 CFR 23.5, FTC Jewelry Guides: misrepresentation as to silver content
• 16 CFR 23.25, FTC Jewelry Guides: misuse of "ruby", "sapphire", "emerald", "birthstone", "gem" and similar words
• 16 CFR 23.24, FTC Jewelry Guides: disclosure of treatments to gemstones
• GIA 4Cs, How to clean your diamond jewelry

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.