Global Standards and Coordinated Efforts Are Necessary

(IDEX Online News) – Global standards are needed in an industry that creates items from materials sourced from many countries, according to Gaetano Cavalieri, the president of CIBJO.

"In the modern jewelry industry, where a single item is likely to include materials and input from a variety of countries, global standards must apply," Dr. Cavalieri stated at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, where he presented diplomas and awards to graduates.

"National laws and regulations must be honored and enforced, but in the end the ultimate judge and jury is the consumer, and today we have to consider the needs of consumers at home and abroad."

The ceremony was held at the Goldsmiths' Hall in London, during the Gem-A Conference that is taking place in the city.

Hinting to recent frictions in the diamond industry after U.S. organizations introduced the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol, Cavalieri stated, "What is particularly important is that the effort should encompass all elements of our business, providing solutions for every participant, large or small, at all stages along the supply chain."

Dr. Cavalieri praised the coordinated efforts of British jewelry organizations to ensure an ethical chain of supply in the industry. "We need to defend our business through the development of ethical and responsible standards and practices, which will guarantee the moral integrity of our jewelry and our business community. In the world of today, the consumer should expect no less," he said.