The prestigious World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) commenced its annual Congress in the vibrant city of Jaipur at the Fairmont Jaipur. The Congress, spanning from the 3rd to the 5th of October, is a historic event being hosted by the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the National Gem & Jewelry Council of India (NGJCI), with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the MSME Ministry of the Government of India.
The inauguration of the event featured distinguished guests, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry (who shared a virtual message), Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, Vipul Shah, chairman of GJEPC, and several other prominent figures in the gem and jewellery industry.
CIBJO Congresses serve as the official gathering place for the World Jewellery Confederation’s Assembly of Delegates, providing a platform for annual meetings of CIBJO’s sectoral commissions. These meetings are vital for introducing amendments to the organisation’s definitive directories of international industry standards, known as the Blue Books, which cover diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, gem labs, precious metals, coral, and responsible sourcing.
Shri Piyush Goyal emphasised the historical significance of hosting the CIBJO Congress in India, highlighting India’s potential as a global manufacturing hub in the gem and jewellery sector. He underscored the sector’s contribution to India’s economy, its role in merchandising exports, and its employment of nearly 5 million people.
Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO, recognised the industry’s resilience in adapting to transformative events like the pandemic. He stressed the importance of transparency, honesty, sustainability, and responsibility within the industry, expressing CIBJO’s commitment to supporting its members in achieving these goals.
Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, praised Jaipur as an ideal location for the Congress, given its rich history and tradition in the gem and jewellery industry. He emphasised India’s leadership in ethical sourcing practices and its commitment to consumer confidence and sustainability.
Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President of CIBJO and Chairman of NGJCI, highlighted the significant presence of overseas delegates at the Congress and Jaipur’s role as a hub for coloured gemstones and jewellery.
The Congress will address pressing issues and opportunities in the industry, including sustainability, responsible sourcing, and transparency. It will also explore the development of internationally recognised standards, ethical practices, and the role of jewellery brands in the market.
The event will include sessions on various topics, such as Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability, ESG practices, and the role of Jewellery Brands. Additionally, discussions will focus on internationally recognised standards, ethics, and specific topics like coloured gemstone responsible sourcing, diamonds, Fei Cui, and precious metals. Exclusive presentations by industry figures Gaetan Guillosson and Sean Gilbertson will add depth to the discussions.
The CIBJO Congress 2023 in Jaipur represents a significant step toward enhancing trust, transparency, sustainability, traceability, and responsible sourcing in the global gem and jewellery industry through self-regulation.
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