The harmonisation of CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Blue Book with its Pearl and Diamond counterparts along with the promotion of Trade Codes was at the centre of the work of the Coloured Stone Commission over the past year, members heard.
There are continuing efforts to improve the harmonisation of definitions and terms in the Gemstone, Diamond and Pearl Blue Books, Coloured Stone Commission President Nilam Alawdeen told the Commission meeting. He thanked Gerard Grospiron, and Sector A President Roland Naftule for their efforts in bringing about increased harmonisation.
The commission’s meeting heard about the many new suggestions and recommendations made since the 2013 CIBJO Congress.
Commission President Alawdeen reported that most of the new definitions, and changes were adopted at the commission’s meeting, while others would be further considered.
“Together with the issue of Trade Codes, harmonisation was the main issue that our Commission members spent most of their time discussing,” Alawdeen told the meeting.
On the issue of Trade Codes, Alawdeen explained that members of the gemstones and jewellery trades are required to give full disclosure on treatments, but that this is sometimes not practical to supply on invoices and jewellery tags.
The use of alphabetical codes originally developed by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and more recently adopted by CIBJO allows the trade to more efficiently fulfil that responsibility. “If the buyer and seller understand the codes, then they can be simply stated on the invoice and/or jewellery tag. These codes are intended for use only within the trade. Except for the members of AGTA, these codes are not being used most of the time worldwide.
“In Japan, where I am based, we hope to promote and recommend the use of the trade codes. We hope and encourage t the CIBJO country delegations will do the same in promoting their use among their members,” he added.
Speaking on the issue of the Trade Codes, Sector A President Roland Naftule said the problem of disclosure could cause critical problems relating to consumer confidence. “It is vital that all members of the trade give full details about items being sold to consumers in order to maintain consumer confidence and our reputation.
“The codes need to be used all the way from the miners to retailers so that everyone has full information,” he added.
Speaking on the issue of the Trade Codes, Sector A President Roland Naftule said the problem of disclosure could cause critical problems relating to consumer confidence. “It is vital that all members of the trade give full details about items being sold to consumers in order to maintain consumer confidence and our reputation.
“The codes need to be used all the way from the miners to retailers so that everyone has full information,” he added.
The meeting also heard members debating issues relating to emerald and ruby treatments and jadeite.
Photo Caption: The Coloured Stone Commission in session.