Cibjo

Trade Groups Sign Deal on Lab-Grown Diamonds

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA) have agreed to collaborate to protect consumer confidence around synthetic diamonds.

The organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) calling for the pair to develop standards, operating principles and terminology for lab-grown diamonds, they said Monday. IGDA president Joanna Park-Tonks will sit on CIBJO’s laboratory-grown diamond committee, which has created a “Laboratory-Grown Diamond Guideline” governing standards for trading and handling synthetic stones.

The honest and accurate presentation of sustainability issues is a current focus for CIBJO’s laboratory-grown committee and was an element during the discussions between CIBJO and IGDA, the organizations said.

“We have had open lines of communication for some time already, and IGDA did participate in the public review before we released the ‘Laboratory-Grown Diamond Guidance’ document in 2021,” said CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri. “Over the past several years, the laboratory-grown diamonds sector has grown into a large and a prominent part of our industry, and we all have a vested interest in each other’s success.”

The signing took place on Sunday during the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Summit in Birmingham, UK.

Source: Diamonds.net

‘Grading’ Is Just for Natural Diamonds, Says CIBJO

Laboratories should reserve the term “grading report” for natural diamonds rather than lab-grown stones, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has urged.

Lab-grown diamonds lack the rarity that underpins the concept of grading, CIBJO argued Tuesday. Instead, documents providing details of synthetics should be called “Laboratory-Grown Diamond Product Specifications,” the organization says in a new set of guidelines it released to the trade this week.

The standard grading report implies “a degree of rarity of the product,” a CIBJO spokesperson told Rapaport News. “But on the other hand, the consumer has a right to know what the components of the product are. The important element is that the term ‘grading’ is taken out.”

CIBJO’s board has made its new Laboratory-Grown Diamond Guidance available for review by affiliated companies and national associations, the organization said. The consultation phase is the final stage in a two-year process to create harmonized standards for man-made stones.

The rule book, which is not binding, also calls for laboratories to include extra information such as the name of the manufacturer, the country and method of manufacture (chemical vapor deposition or High Pressure-High Temperature), and information about post-growth treatments. It also recommends that the letters “LG” precede the color and clarity grades on the report to indicate the stones are lab-grown.

The guidelines deal with how to describe lab-grown diamonds and display them at events such as trade shows. They also provide recommendations on how companies should disclose the origin of the stones on invoices and consignment documents, and discuss synthetics detection technology.

“A key principle of the Laboratory-Grown Diamond Guidance is that, to ensure confidence, consumers must receive complete and unambiguous information about what they are buying, so that they can make consciously informed purchasing decisions,” CIBJO explained.

CIBJO’s Blue Book, a separate document on grading standards and terminology, notably kept “natural” in its definition of diamonds even after the US Federal Trade Commission dropped the word in 2018.

Source: diamonds.net

CIBJO And The IDC Agree On Diamond Terminology

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the International Diamond Council (IDC) have decided to use the same terminology for describing diamonds, making it easier for consumers to understand grading.

CIBJO agreed to make amendments to its Diamond Book — a guide to grading standards and terminology — following requests by the IDC, an organization that works to ensure consistency in grading across the industry. The IDC’s language will now be “harmonized” with that of the Diamond Book, CIBJO said Tuesday.

“The true beneficiaries of this agreement are the diamond consumers, who will now be able to refer to a single set of rules for describing diamonds,” said CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri.

The two organizations finalized the agreement at the CIBJO Congress in Bangkok this week. The International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), one of the IDC’s founding bodies, has also endorsed the new Diamond Book.

IDC http://www.internationaldiamondcouncil.org

Source: diamonds.net

July, 2017February, 2025

Internationally Recognised Standards

Internationally Recognised Standards in Diamond Grading: Definition, Role, and Importance
Internationally recognised standards in diamond grading refer to a set of rules, guidelines, and processes that are universally acknowledged and regulated by internationally accredited bodies. These standards are essential in ensuring that diamonds are graded fairly, consistently, and transparently, maintaining trust and confidence in the diamond industry across the globe. By adhering to these universally accepted standards, diamond grading and certification can be reliably communicated to consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and investors.

These standards encompass various aspects of diamond evaluation, including the 4 Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight), as well as other characteristics such as fluorescence, symmetry, and overall finish. These standards help to maintain consistency across the diamond industry and allow for a uniform system of assessment that is recognised internationally.

Key International Diamond Grading Bodies
Several prominent bodies and organisations have established internationally recognised grading standards to ensure quality, transparency, and ethical practices within the diamond industry. These include:

CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation): CIBJO is an international non-governmental organisation that establishes standards and guidelines for the jewellery industry, including diamonds. It provides a platform for cooperation between various diamond organisations worldwide and sets clear rules for diamond grading, ensuring uniformity and fairness in the assessment process. The CIBJO Blue Book, which is updated regularly, is a key resource for grading standards and terminology. It provides the groundwork for consistent grading of diamonds, gemstones, and jewellery globally.

LMHC (Laboratoire Monégasque de Haute Couture): LMHC is a recognised laboratory and grading authority that plays an essential role in the diamond industry. This laboratory operates under internationally accepted standards for diamond evaluation and plays a vital role in the certification and grading of diamonds, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards. LMHC’s commitment to ethical sourcing, quality, and transparency aligns with the best practices in the global diamond market.

World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB): The WFDB is a leading international organisation that represents diamond exchanges worldwide. It works to set and regulate industry standards for diamond trading and grading, helping to foster trust and transparency in the diamond trade. Through its collaboration with other diamond industry bodies, the WFDB ensures that grading procedures and diamond transactions follow globally recognised ethical and operational standards. The organisation also advocates for the fair treatment of all stakeholders within the diamond industry, from miners to consumers.

International Diamond Council (IDC): The IDC is another important entity that helps to establish and uphold internationally recognised grading standards. It works in close association with the WFDB and IDMA (International Diamond Manufacturers Association) to ensure that diamond grading procedures are consistent and standardized across the world. The IDC plays a key role in the regulation of diamond grading terminology, ensuring uniformity in how diamonds are assessed and described, as well as in the certification of diamonds based on these grading parameters.

The Role and Importance of Internationally Recognised Standards
Consistency and Fairness in Grading: Internationally recognised standards ensure that diamonds are evaluated using the same criteria and terminology, regardless of where or by whom the grading is conducted. This consistency is crucial for maintaining fairness in the diamond industry, ensuring that diamonds of the same quality are graded similarly, regardless of geographical location. Such consistency is particularly important for the consumer, who can trust that the diamond they are purchasing has been graded according to globally accepted standards.

Increased Transparency: Diamond grading standards established by recognised bodies help to enhance transparency in the industry. Clear grading criteria mean that consumers and businesses alike can understand the specific qualities of a diamond, such as its colour, clarity, and cut. Transparency in diamond grading helps to build consumer confidence, reduce the risk of fraud, and promote ethical business practices in the market.

Protection for Consumers and Investors: Consumers and investors benefit from internationally recognised grading standards because they provide assurance that diamonds are being assessed accurately and reliably. These standards reduce the risk of misrepresentation and ensure that a diamond’s value is fairly determined based on objective characteristics. Grading reports issued by accredited laboratories that follow these internationally recognised standards provide a clear, professional assessment of the diamond, which can help inform purchasing decisions and investments.

Global Recognition and Credibility: Internationally recognised grading standards help diamonds gain credibility in the global market. With the presence of globally accredited bodies like CIBJO and WFDB, diamonds that meet these grading standards are more likely to be accepted and trusted worldwide. Such recognition boosts the reputation of both diamonds and the jewellery industry as a whole, ensuring that products meet high-quality benchmarks that are respected internationally.

Standardisation of Diamond Terminology: International grading standards standardise the terminology used in diamond grading, making it easier for consumers, jewellers, and diamond professionals to understand the qualities of a diamond. Terms such as “clarity,” “cut,” and “carat weight” have universally understood definitions that enable individuals across the world to discuss diamonds on a common platform. This standardisation facilitates better communication and understanding between all parties involved in the diamond industry, from manufacturers to retailers to consumers.

Prevention of Misleading Practices: The presence of internationally recognised grading standards helps prevent misleading or fraudulent grading practices. By adhering to established and transparent guidelines, grading laboratories can help ensure that diamonds are accurately represented and priced according to their true quality. This protection extends to consumers who may otherwise fall prey to false or exaggerated claims about a diamond’s characteristics and value.

Support for Ethical and Sustainable Practices: International grading standards often go hand in hand with ethical and sustainable practices in the diamond industry. Many recognised bodies, such as CIBJO, place strong emphasis on conflict-free diamonds and encourage grading labs to verify that diamonds are sourced responsibly. As part of global efforts to eliminate conflict diamonds from the market, these standards promote the traceability of diamonds and help the industry maintain ethical sourcing practices.

Facilitation of Trade and International Transactions: With consistent grading standards, international trade and transactions become easier and more reliable. Buyers and sellers can engage in diamond deals with confidence, knowing that they are working from a standardised set of grading rules. This uniformity is particularly important in global markets where diamonds are sold across borders and to consumers from diverse backgrounds. Having internationally recognised grading standards simplifies the evaluation process, reducing the risk of disputes and disagreements.

The Importance of Internationally Recognised Standards
Internationally recognised standards in diamond grading play a vital role in maintaining the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the global diamond industry. By ensuring that diamonds are evaluated based on consistent criteria and terminology, these standards protect consumers, investors, and businesses alike. They facilitate fair trade, promote ethical practices, and support sustainable growth in the diamond sector.

The involvement of accredited bodies such as CIBJO, LMHC, WFDB, and IDC ensures that diamond grading procedures adhere to internationally respected rules and practices. As the diamond industry continues to evolve, these standards will remain a cornerstone of trust, enabling both the industry and its consumers to navigate the diamond market with confidence.

July, 2017February, 2025

CIBJO, also known as The World Jewellery Confederation, is a global organization that represents the jewellery industry. It brings together national jewellery trade associations from around the world to establish standards of practice, ethical guidelines, and global cooperation in the jewellery sector.

Key Facts About CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation):
Purpose and Mission

CIBJO’s mission is to unite national jewellery organizations to promote the interests of the global jewellery industry, while setting standards for quality, trade practices, and ethical business in the jewellery sector.
The confederation aims to ensure transparency in the jewellery trade and foster sustainable business practices while safeguarding the reputation of the industry.
Membership

CIBJO’s membership consists of national jewellery trade associations from various countries, including major players like India, the United States, Italy, and Australia.
It represents the interests of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other professionals in the jewellery supply chain.
Key Functions and Activities

Establishing Standards: CIBJO works to develop uniform standards for the jewellery industry, including the grading and certification of diamonds and coloured gemstones, and the ethical sourcing of materials.
Ethical Guidelines: The organization promotes ethical practices in the jewellery trade, ensuring that jewellery businesses operate with transparency, integrity, and responsibility.
Advocacy: CIBJO advocates for the interests of the jewellery industry at international trade bodies, helping shape policies that affect the sector.
Promoting Education: CIBJO organizes events and conferences aimed at improving industry knowledge and providing training for jewellery professionals.
The CIBJO Blue Book Series

CIBJO publishes a series of Blue Books that provide detailed, standardized guidelines on the grading and description of various jewellery materials, such as diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and precious metals.
These Blue Books are recognized and respected in the industry, offering a globally accepted reference for the jewellery trade.
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CIBJO promotes sustainable sourcing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the jewellery industry, encouraging members to adopt ethical practices and ensure that materials such as diamonds and gemstones are sourced responsibly.
The organization also supports the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds.
Annual Congress and Conferences

CIBJO hosts an annual congress, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to discuss challenges, opportunities, and developments in the global jewellery trade.
Importance of CIBJO in the Jewellery Industry
CIBJO is an essential body for ensuring the smooth functioning of the global jewellery market, promoting fair trade, sustainability, and ethical practices. It offers guidance on a wide range of industry issues, including gemstone sourcing, product quality standards, and the future of the jewellery sector.

DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia) is the official CIBJO laboratory for Australia, ensuring that diamond grading and certification standards in the country align with global best practices set by CIBJO. This partnership helps maintain accuracy, consistency, and ethics in the jewellery trade, promoting transparency in the Australian diamond market and ensuring high-quality standards are met.