A more than two-year project dedicated to reinforcing consumer confidence in the jewellery supply chain is about to enter its final stage, as the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) will kick off in Paris today a four-month public consultation of the “The Blue List – The Responsible Jewellery Supply Chain Lexicon.”

“The Blue List” was developed by the Jewellery Industry Supply Chain Nomenclature Committee, which is a multinational task force of experts working the CIBJO’s umbrella, with representatives from all key industry sectors. They were charged with creating a harmonised set of definitions of words and terms used to describe responsible supply chains, especially when marketing jewellery,  ensuring that they are accurate, substantiated, clear and easily understood by all stakeholders and consumers.

Once approved “The Blue Line” will serve as the universally accepted glossary of terminology for the jewellery, gemstone and precious metals industries related to responsible sourcing and sustainability.

The launch of public consultation will begin today with a presentation of the draft document at the headquarters of UFBJOP (Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres & des Perles), on the sidelines of the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, which also is taking place in Paris. It will conclude on September 6, 2025, with a seminar/webinar in Vicenza, Italy, during the VicenzaOro jewellery show.

The Jewellery Industry Supply Chain Nomenclature Committeeis is co-chaired by Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, and Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at the De Beers Group. Its lead is Purvi Shah, Head of Ethical and Sustainable Value Chains at the De Beers Group.

The committee, which has been meeting regularly from the end of 2022, incoudes members from across the supply chains of the diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, coral and precious metals sectors, from mining companies through the midstream to jewellery retailers. Larger corporations and SMEs are represented, as are national and international trade associations, major retail brands and legal experts.

“Ultimately, the primary goal of ‘The Blue List’ is to boost the confidence of consumers in our products and our industry, by ensuring that they are provided unambiguously the supply chain information they require to make a reasoned purchasing decision,” explained Dr. Cavalieri. “In recent years, demand for transparency has increased both within the industry and from the marketplace. But, unfortunately, this has resulted in a proliferation of marketing claims and terminology, some of which are unsubstantiated, misleading or inaccurate. By carefully defining and harmonising the terms that can be used to describe the supply chain, and providing guidance to substantiate these claims, we believe that transparency will be enhanced.”

“The Blue List represents a significant step forward in our commitment to transparency and responsible sourcing. By establishing clear and harmonised terminology, we are not only enhancing consumer confidence but also fostering a more sustainable and accountable industry. This initiative underscores our dedication to ethical practices and sets a new standard for the jewellery, gemstone, and precious metals sectors,” stated Ms. Zerouki.

CIBJO will invite a wide range of industry and external experts to participate in the public review of The Blue List but is also seeking contributions from all interested industry members.  Submissions can be made online via a dedicated mini-website, and those interested in participating can register HERE.

Following consultation feedback and approval by the CIBJO Bpoard of Directors, “The Blue List” will be officially released at the 2025 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Paris from October 27 to 29, 2025. Like the CIBJO Blue Books of industry standards, practices and nomenclature, it will be a living document, subject to regular review, and updated when necessary.