North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 66. Commerce and Business § 66-73. Definitions

(1) A “diamond” is a natural mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system and is found in many colors. Its hardness is 10; its specific gravity approximately 3.52; and it has a refractive index 2.42.

(2) “A member of the diamond industry” shall be construed to mean any person, firm, corporation or organization engaged in the business of selling, offering for sale, or distributing in commerce, diamonds (other than industrial diamonds), whether cut, polished, or in the rough, synthetic diamonds and imitation diamonds, and of any jewelry items or other products containing diamonds, synthetic diamonds, or imitation diamonds.

(3) “The diamond industry” or “the industry” as used in this Article is a trade, industry or business which shall be construed to embrace all persons, firms, corporations and organizations engaged in selling, offering for sale, or the distribution in commerce of diamonds (other than industrial diamonds), whether cut, polished or in the rough, synthetic diamonds and imitation diamonds, and of any jewelry item or other products containing diamonds, synthetic diamonds or imitation diamonds.

(4) “Unfair trade practices” as referred to herein are unfair methods of competition, unfair or deceptive acts or practices and other illegal practices which are prohibited by law.