CIBJO’s Jewellery Supply Chain Committee presented to the 2026 CIBJO Congress the Blue List, a reference guide to terminology that can be used, and alternatively not used, in responsible jewellery supply chains.

“The Blue List is a tool for all of us to use as a reference guide in the future,” Kele Mafole, lead of CIBJO’s Jewellery Supply Chain Committee, told a session of the CIBJO Congress on its final day, September 7.

“It is a guidance document that provides clear definitions and strengthens confidence in how we communicate with customers,” Ms. Mafole said.

“The Blue List emerged from the recognition that we need a common reference point.”

CIBJO’s Jewellery Supply Chain Nomenclature Committee focused on a limited set of terms, seeking to establish clear definitions, Ms. Mafole said.

Among the terms that have caused the most confusion are “sustainability”, “responsible” and “ethical”, she added.

“We want jewellery customers to be able to trust our guidance. These are the terms — such as sustainability, ethical and responsible — that consumers encounter when making purchasing decisions,” she said.

Presenting the first edition of the Blue List, Ms. Mafole outlined some of the key terms discussed by the committee:

1. Sustainable: Provides integrated, enduring socioeconomic benefits, environmental protection and longevity.
2. Responsible: Meets internationally recognised standards.
3. Ethical:  Ensures current best practice in relation to social responsibilities, in addition to meeting internationally recognised standards.