The 2025 CIBJO Congress has opened at the Comet Auditorium in Paris, beginning the World Jewelletry Confederation’ 100th year of operation, having been founded in the same city in 1926.

The more than 250 delegates attending he congress, heard the industry leaders address the opening session underlining the importance of the organisation in safeguarding standards and protecting consumers in the global jewellery market. They were greeted by Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, and Bernadette Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, executive President of the Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres et des Perles (UFBJOP), the host of the congress.

Daniel Cambour, President of UFBJOP, spoke of the importance of embracing new technologies and the highest standards in the quest for excellence in jewellery creation, for which French artisans and brands are renowned.

Mr Cambour referred to the importance of taking pride in artisanal work, and spoke of France’s great tradition of craftsmanship.

Didier Roux, President of the Franceclat federation, representing the French luxury industries, spoke of the vital importance of CIBJO in setting the highest possible standards for the global jewellery industry.

Cyrille Vigneron, Cartier Chairman, Culture and Philanthropy, and the brand’s former CEO, spoke of the importance of love and emotions that are an integral part of jewellery, and of the requirement to maintain the highest ethical standards and “scientific truth” across the industry, as exemplified by CIBJO. 

Mr Vigneron addressed the challenges created by rapid changes in global communications, fragmented production, and the importance of deliver a roadmap to upgrade standards and protect consumers.

Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, said in her address that CIBJO had long stood for transparency across the jewellery value chain.

“Sustainability is central to luxury,” she said.

“Our ambition is to support the ecosystem that is necessary to our craft,” she said.

“No single actor can deliver change on their own,” she added, calling for partnerships across the industry and generations to move towards greater sustainability,” Ms. Daveu stated.

Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at the De Beers Group President and President of the World Diamond Council, referred to the vital contribution of CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri in driving forward the highest standards for the global industry.

“In this digital age, the values that CIBJO represents, are timeless,” she added in her address to the Congress.

Mr Maurizio Ermeti, Chairman of Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), invited delegates to attend Vicenzaoro in 2026 where CIBJO will celebrate its 100th anniversary.