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CIBJO Congress 2019 in Manama, Bahrain

The 2019 CIBJO Congress has taken place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, from November 18 to 20, with steering committee meetings taking place on November 16 and 17.  It was attended by about 220 participants, with about 150 flying in from abroad.

 

 

Serving as the official venue for the meeting of the CIBJO Assembly of Delegates, the CIBJO Congress gathered together members of national jewellery and gemstone associations from the more than 40 countries and representatives of many of the industry’s most important commercial bodies that are members in the confederation. During the event, the organisation’s Diamond, Coloured Stones, Pearl, Coral, Precious Metals, Gemmological and Responsible Sourcing Blue Books, which are industry’s most widely accepted directories of uniform grading and business standards and nomenclature, were discussed and updated. Other subjects on the agenda included laboratory-grown diamonds, Fei Cui, technology and jewellery industry efforts to combat climate change.

 

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS REPORTS

CIBJO Congress 2019 opens in Bahrain with focus on climate change and environmental sustainability

The 2019 CIBJO Congress opened in Bahrain, with a call on the jewellery industry by CIBJO President Gaetano to take action on climate change, which he said was not an issue specific to the sector, but it is the “most important story of our time.”

Legacy of Bahrain’s historic pearl industry highlighted during 2019 CIBJO Congress opening

HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, said that that it established DANAT, Bahrain’s Institute for Pearls and Gemstones in 2017, as part of country’s effort to diversify the economy by reviving its almost 5,000 pearling industry, ending its reliance on oil

Sustainability crucial but customisation also vital, Responsible Sourcing Commission is told

The Responsible Sourcing Commission held it first official session on the opening day of the 2019 CIBJO Congress in Bahrain on November 19, after the body was formally established at the conclusion of the CIBJO Congress in Colombia in 2018.

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Working Group becomes primary focus of Diamond Commission

Commission President Udi Sheintal asked the CIBJO Congress participants what type of relationship they believe the long-standing Diamond Commission should have the new Laboratory-Grown Diamond Working Group.

Laboratory-Grown Diamond Working Group presents blueprint for set of working principles for new industry sector

There was intense interest in the first meeting of group headed by Wesley Hunt of the De Beers Group. He said the new body was “about us working together with differentiated products that consumers can understand.

Environmental concerns take centre stage at Marketing and Education Commission meeting

CIBJO’s green initiative aims to protect the world for future generations. “The world is changing so quickly. We are poisoning ourselves. I would like to encourage more organisations associated with CIBJO to sign up,” said Commission President Jonathan Kendall.

CIBJO Congress conducts special Fei Cui special session, looking to create international standards for trade in jade products

Some CIBJO members expressed their surprise at the size of the market which is estimated to be worth more than eight billion dollars, making Fei Cui the world’s largest gem category after diamonds. Almost all sales take place in China and other eastern markets.

Ethical practices and gold supply chain concerns focus of CIBJO Ethics Commission

Commission President Tiffany Stevens said that the emphasis on ethical business practices has evolved in the last year or so. There is an increasing reliance on international frameworks and standards, such as the the OECD principles that are referenced the new CIBJO Responsible Sourcing Blue Book.

DNA fingerprinting report becomes focus of discussion during Coral Commission session in Bahrain

DNA fingerprinting is a powerful tool for species identification and possibly geographic determination, and has proven effective in addressing misconceptions that shallow-water reef coral is the same as deep-water precious coral.

Pearl Commission focuses on American request to reconsider use of word’ cultured,’ as well as Keshi terminology

With the 2019 CIBJO Congress taking place in Bahrain, a historic pearling centre and most probably the world’s most prolific producer of natural pearls, the request by an American association that the use of the word “cultured” be reconsidered came to many as a surprise.

Gemmological Commission focuses on update of commercial colour-terms guidance document

Colour-terms used by the commercial bodies to define certain coloured gemstones have long been an issue of contention in gemmological circles, where specialists are concerned that few if any universal standards have been created to protect consumers.

Precious Metals Commission considers consequences of increasing government scrutiny in the United States

Over the past half year, the U.S. government has been signalling its intention to increase scrutiny of the jewellery trade, to ensure that it is complying with Anti-Money Laundering and other measures to prevent malign activity.

More accurate definitions of gem varieties focus of Coloured Stone Commission in Bahrain

“Where does beryl stop being an emerald and become a green beryl?” asked Coloured Stone Commission President Charles Abouchar, when opening the body’s session at the 2019 CIBJO Congress.

CIBJO Congress 2019 wraps up in Bahrain with creation of Laboratory-Grown Diamond and Technology Committees

It is imperative that the jewellery industry develop a better understanding of where things are headed, rather than having to react to situations brought about by technological developments, about which it often has shown itself to be not well informed, nor prepared, said CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri.

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS PHOTO GALLERIES

AROUND BAHRAIN

TOUR OF DANAT

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS – DAY 1

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS – DAY 2

WELCOMING COCKTAIL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS –
MEETING 1

OPENING SESSION

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING COMMISSION

DIAMOND COMMISSION

LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMOND WORKING GROUP

MARKETING AND EDUCATION COMMISSION

GALA DINNER

COLOURED STONE COMMISSION

FEU CUI SPECIAL SESSION

CORAL COMMISSION

ETHICS COMMISSION

GEMMOLOGICAL COMMISSION

PRECIOUS METALS COMMISSION

NATIONAL BAHRAIN DINNER

SECTOR A

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS –
MEETING 2

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS VIDEOS

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT REEL 1 FROM THE 2019 CIBJO CONGRESS
BAHRAIN, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2019

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT REEL 2 FROM THE 2019 CIBJO CONGRESS
BAHRAIN, NOVEMBER 18-20, 2019

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2019 CIBJO CONGRESS IN BAHRAIN
NOVEMBER 18, 2019

VIDEO MESSAGE TO 2019 CIBJO CONGRESS FROM LISE KINGO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT
NOVEMBER 18, 2019

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING SESSION OF THE 2019 CIBJO CONGRESS IN BAHRAIN
NOVEMBER 18, 2019

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS SPEECHES & PRESENTATIONS

DR. GAETANO CAVALIERI
President, CIBJO

Opening Session Address
November 18, 2019

Opening Session Presentation
November 18, 2019

LISE KINGO
Executive Director, UN Global Compact

Video address to Opening Session
November 18, 2019

KHALID AL RUMAIHI
CEO, Mumtalakat

Address to Opening Session
November 18, 2019

YASER ALSHARIFI
Chairman, DANAT, Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones

Address to Opening Session
November 18, 2019

PROFESSOR ENRICO GIOVANNINI
Department of Economics & Finance, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

Presentation to Opening Session 
October 15, 2018

CHARLES BURGESS
President, EMS (formerly known as Mineria Texas Colombia)

Presentation to Opening Session
November 18, 2019

HANIFA MEZOUI
AICESIS, New-York Permanent Representative
IGO in Observer Status with United Nations ECOSOC

Presentation to Opening Ceremony
November 18, 2019

ERNEST BLOM
President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)

Address to Opening Session
November 18, 2019

PHILIP OLDEN
President, CIBJO Responsible Sourcing Commission

Presentation to Responsible Sourcing Session
November 18, 2019

IRIS VAN DER VEKEN
Executive Director, Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

Presentation to Responsible Sourcing Session
November 18, 2019

FELIPE MORGADO
Senior Manager, Government Relations, UN Global Compact

Presentation to Responsible Sourcing Session
November 18, 2019

LEA RAVNKILDE MØLLER
Project Leader, Orbicon

Presentation to Responsible Sourcing Session
November 18, 2019

WESLEY HUNT
Chair, CIBJO Laboratory-Grown Diamond Working Group

Presentation to Laboratory-Grown Diamond Working Group Session
November 19, 2019

JONATHAN KENDALL
President, CIBJO Marketing & Education Commission

Presentation to Marketing & Education Commission Session
November 19, 2019

VINCENZO LIVERINO
President, CIBJO Coral Commission

RUI GALOPIM DE CARVALHO
Vice President, CIBJO Coral Commission

Presentation to Coral Commission Session
November 19, 2019

JEREMY SHEPERD
Board Member, Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)

Presentation to Pearl Commission Session
November 19, 2019

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS SPECIAL REPORTS

MARKETING & EDUCATION COMMISSION

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING COMMISSION

PRECIOUS METALS COMMISSION

DIAMOND COMMISSION

COLOURED STONE COMMISSION

ETHICS COMMISSION

GEMMOLOGICAL COMMISSION

PEARL COMMISSION

CORAL COMMISSION

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS HOST

As a reflection of Bahrain’s ancient pearling history and the strong desire to protect this heritage, DANAT was established as the guardian of global gemmological excellence. It plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewellery.

Home to one of the world’s most sophisticated gemmological laboratories, DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal ethics. It is dedicated supporting the pearl and gemstone industry locally, regionally and internationally, developing a new generation of gemmologists, and providing knowledge and expertise to industry professional and gemmology enthusiasts.

It was established in 2017, under the aegis of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom.

DANAT’s vision is to become the world’s preferred institute for natural pearls and gemstones’ third-party verification services and scientific research.

2019 CIBJO CONGRESS SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SPONSORS

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

CIBJO Congress 2019 in Manama, Bahrain2021-10-15T09:00:55+00:00

Technological solutions for sustainability and responsible sourcing spotlighted at CIBJO-IEG seminar at VICENZAORO September show

With members of the jewellery and gemstone sectors under growing pressure to actively demonstrate that they are conducting their businesses in a sustainable manner, including verifying that the items they purchase, process and sell have been sourced responsibly, a range of technological solutions are currently being developed to help them comply with the due diligence requirements. These came under the spotlight during a seminar on September 9, 2019, at the VICENZAORO show in Vicenza, Italy, organized by CIBJO and hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

The seminar was the latest edition in a series of educational programmes organized by the two bodies, which is endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), to support Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability in the jewellery sector. As, Marco Carniello, Director of IEG’s Jewellery and Fashion Division, pointed out, the seminar this September marked the 10th year of cooperation between CIBJO and Italy’s leading jewellery trade show organizer.

A growing percentage of the jewellery, gemstone and precious metals industries have taken steps in recent years to implement sustainable and responsible sourcing principles in their businesses, with more than 1,300 worldwide already certified by compliance organisations, after undergoing monitoring by independent auditors.

But in an industry that is dominated by small and medium-sized companies, many participants find it challenging to follow suit and consequently could experience difficulty in gaining access to chains of supply. The technologies discussed at the seminar are largely being developed to address these challenges.

Marco Carniello (left), Director of IEG’s Jewellery & Fashion Division, and Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, opening the seminar in Vicenza on September 9, 2019.

“CIBJO is committed to the development of an ethical and sustainable jewellery industry, which sources its raw materials in both a responsible and transparent manner,” said CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri, opening the seminar. “As we reiterated in the new Responsible Sourcing Blue Book which was approved earlier this year, we believe that all participants should do due diligence to the best of their ability. At the same time, we also insist that no ethical members of our community be discriminated against because they currently lack the resources necessary to implement a full compliance system. It is for this reason that we view the development of technological solutions as being so important.”

The panel of speakers, which was moderated by Erik Jens, vice president of CIBJO’s Responsible Sourcing Commission, represented a cross section of this growing industry service sector, providing solutions to industry participants at all stages of the chain of distribution, from the mine to the retailer.

Marco Carniello, Director of IEG’s Jewellery and Fashion Division, opening the CIBJO-IEG seminar  at the VIZENZAORO show on September 9, 2019. He is joined on the podium (from left)by:  Erik Jens, Vice President of CIBJO’s Responsible Sourcing Commission and the seminar moderator; Michillay Brown, Tracr; Assheton Stuart Carter, The Dragonfly Initiative; Daniel Nyfeler;  Gübelin Gem Lab; Konstantin Born, GemFair; Francesca Marino, CIBJO; and Mark Hanna, Richline Group.

PRESENTATIONS

Michillay Brown, Industry Transformation, Tracr, United Kingdom

Ms. Brown introduced the De Beers-developed blockchain-powered traceability platform, which uses cutting-edge technology to connect the diamond supply-chain and provide provenance, traceability and authenticity for the diamond industry.

Dr. Assheton Stuart Carter, The Dragonfly Initiative, United Kingdom

As head of the sustainability advisory firm, Dr. Carter and his team are currently developing a suite of online due diligence tools that will be made available free of charge to the jewellery and gemstone industry, as a part of a joint initiative by CIBJO and the Coloured Gemstone Working Group, which Dragonfly facilitates.

Dr. Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director, Gübelin Gem Lab, Switzerland,

Dr. Nyfeler presented the Gübelin Gem Lab’s Provenance Proof project, a gemstone paternity programme that uses virtually undetectable nano-particles which are embedded in a gemstone, containing identifying information to verify its origin, and then blockchain technology to communicate its provenance through the chain of distribution.

Konstantin Born, Business Development Manager, GemFair, United Kingdom

Mr. Born described the De Beers’ pilot project that aims to create a secure, transparent route to the market for ethically-sourced artisanal and small-scale mined diamonds, where the miners are assured of receiving fair value for their output, using technology to foster the sector’s development as a credible and trusted source of diamond supply.

Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer, Richline Group, USA

Mr Hanna presented the TrustChain Initiative of the Richline Group, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. It tracks and authenticates diamonds and precious metals through every stage of the supply chain, as it becomes a piece of finished jewelry, providing digital verification, physical product and process verification, and third-party oversight.

Francesca Marino, Senior CSR Advisor, CIBJO

Ms. Marino provided CIBJO’s perspective of sustainability and responsible sourcing in the jewellery industry, as it is articulated in the recently approved Responsible Sourcing Blue Book.

Technological solutions for sustainability and responsible sourcing spotlighted at CIBJO-IEG seminar at VICENZAORO September show2019-09-13T14:07:20+00:00
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