From Paris to a global stage: CIBJO reaffirms its role as the jewellery industry’s standards setter, sustainability advocate, and education catalyst.
As the CIBJO Congress opened in Paris, President Gaetano Cavalieri set an ambitious tone for the confederation’s centenary year. He traced the organisation’s roots to 1926, when European jewellery leaders convened in the same city to form BIBOA—an early forum built to solve common problems, raise craftsmanship, and align standards across borders. In 1961 that European initiative became global, evolving into today’s World Jewellery Confederation, CIBJO—still proudly anchored to its French origins and institutional memory in the UFBJOP archives.
This year’s Paris gathering drew unusually strong registration—clear evidence of CIBJO’s relevance as the place where the world’s jewellery community debates shared challenges and designs industry-wide solutions. Cavalieri thanked UFBJOP leadership and team for hosting in the Ville Lumière, a fitting backdrop for the creative and technical excellence the trade aspires to.
The industry’s “parliament”
CIBJO remains the only international body that convenes every sector of the value chain—from mining and cultured pearls to cutting, manufacturing, watches, and retail. Its Blue Books codify harmonised definitions and practices adopted by national bodies and used as a foundation for ISO diamond standards. Since 2006, CIBJO has held special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC, reflecting its work on responsible business conduct, environmental stewardship, and due diligence tools available to the trade at no cost.
Investing in the next generation
Education is central to CIBJO’s mandate: safeguarding heritage skills while preparing new professionals to operate ethically and transparently in a modern, tech-enabled marketplace.
Why it matters for Canadian jewellers
- Clarity that sells: Consistent product descriptions and nomenclature reduce returns and increase consumer trust online and in-store.
- Compliance made practical: Free guidance helps retailers and suppliers meet evolving ESG expectations without reinventing the wheel.
- Global alignment: Standards recognised across borders streamline sourcing, appraisal, and after-sales service.
- Talent pipeline: Training resources support Canada’s next wave of goldsmiths, watch technicians, and gem professionals.
With the centenary celebration set for next year in Vicenza, the Paris Congress marks both a return to CIBJO’s birthplace and a launchpad for its next century—one defined by collaboration, credibility, and shared standards that keep the global trade moving in step.
