CIBJO Spotlights Industry Standards and Reforms

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has released a series of reports across key areas of the trade ahead of its Congress in Paris from October 27 to 29.

Several papers recommend updates to the CIBJO Blue Books, which set global standards for grading and nomenclature of diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, coral, precious metals, and gemological laboratories, as well as responsible sourcing guidelines.

The Special Report for Diamonds revisits CIBJO’s 2010 decision to accept terms like “lab-grown” as synonyms for “synthetic.” The authors argue this blurred boundaries and lent synthetics undue legitimacy—particularly through use of the 4Cs in grading. They call for revisions to the Diamond Blue Book to establish clearer terminology, restrict the 4Cs to natural diamonds, and strengthen consumer transparency.

Read the CIBJO Special Reports:

• Diamonds – Rethinking past decisions.

• Precious Metals – Gold’s investment role endures, while other metals drive industrial and jewelry demand.

• Sustainable Development – Making the case for a unified agenda built on coherence, consistency, and collaboration.

• Marketing & Education – Knowledge as a safeguard for the industry’s future.

Image: CIBJO unveiled the International Fine Jewellery Academy (IFJA) at VicenzaOro in September, part of its push to raise education standards outlined in its Special Report on Marketing and Education. (Credit: CIBJO)