CIBJO Congress India, CIBJO 2023, CIBJO Jaipur India: The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has chosen the vibrant city of Jaipur as the venue for its annual Congress, marking the first-ever such event to be held in this enchanting city. The Congress, taking place at the prestigious Fairmont, Jaipur, spans from the 3rd to the 5th of October, with preparatory meetings held on the 1st and 2nd of October. The 2023 Congress is proudly hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the National Gem & Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI), with robust support from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
The grand inauguration of the Congress was graced by eminent figures from the world of gem and jewelry, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India (via a virtual message). Also present were Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO; Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC; Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President of India, CIBJO, and Chairman of NGJCI; Mr. R. Arulanandan, Director, Department of Commerce, Government of India; Ms. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council (WDC); Mr. Yoram Dvash, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB); and Mr. Damien Cody, President of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
CIBJO Congresses serve as the official convergence point for the World Jewellery Confederation’s Assembly of Delegates. Moreover, they host the annual meetings of CIBJO’s sectoral commissions, where amendments to the organization’s definitive directories of international industry standards for diamonds, colored stones, pearls, gem labs, precious metals, coral, and responsible sourcing, known as the Blue Books, can be introduced.
The CIBJO Congress 2023 is set to be an extraordinary event, offering a wide array of sections that cater to the multifaceted jewelry industry. These encompass Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, with a strong emphasis on ethical and environmentally conscious approaches. The event also delves into the world of Jewelry Brands, scrutinizing their role and impact within the market. Furthermore, discussions will revolve around the feasibility of internationally recognized standards within the jewelry sector, while the Ethics Commission will address matters of moral significance.
Special sessions shine a spotlight on Colored Gemstone Responsible Sourcing, Diamonds, Fei Cui, and Precious Metals. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of exclusive presentations by industry luminaries such as Gaetan Guillosson, India Country Manager at Cartier, and Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, which promises to add an extra layer of expertise and insight to this remarkable gathering of gem and jewelry experts and enthusiasts.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, said,”CIBJO is an event where gems of the sparkling world unite. In the spirit of Bharat’s ancient tradition Athithi Devo Bhavo, I request you to enjoy hospitality of the Pink City while conducting business engagements. This event marks a historic moment as it is the first time that CIBJO Congress is being held on Indian soil. The CIBJO Congress taking place in Jaipur is more than just a location. Hosting the CIBJO Congress here is a testimony to the tremendous potential that India holds not only as a market but as a global manufacturing hub. The G20 summit signifies India’s emergence as a global leader. Jaipur is a symbol of the vibrant spirit of artisans and rich history of gems & jewellery industry, which Jaipur represents.”
Mr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO, said in his welcome address,”CIBJO is the oldest international jewellery association in the world and will celebrate 100 years in Year 2026. CIBJO Congress is being held again after almost 4 years (2019 CIBJO Congress at Bahrain) and the world and industry has changed considerably. The experience of visiting India is overwhelming as India is a country which excites all the senses. G7 countries, which accounted for half of all jewellery sales, will be introducing new norms and standards with respect to traceability, trust and transparency”
Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said,”India is the only beacon of hope as far as jewellery demand goes. Befitting its leadership position in processing of diamonds and gemstones like emerald and tanzanite, India adheres to ethical sourcing practices as well as contributes to the development of industry standards. The Kimberley Process Source protocol for rough diamonds which started based on demand from consumers, is going through a reform cycle and we are committed to support such reform. Consumer’s confidence should be protected at any cost. So, our Government is also discussing with G7 countries the new measures for segregation of diamonds that they are demanding from the trade based on current geopolitical situation. The 2023 CIBJO Congress will also address the pressing issues and opportunities that define our industry.”
Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President, India, CIBJO and Chairman, NGJCI, said, ”Today, we estimate that our industry employs around 2 lakh skilled individuals in and around Jaipur, carrying on a tradition of enamelling and gem-cutting that has stood the test of time. The city of Jaipur is playing a very important role in Coloured Gemstones and Jewellery.”
Mr. R. Arulanandan, the Director of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, said, ”India is committed to furthering gem & jewellery trade and the Foreign Trade Policy has a separate section for this sector. India holds an important position in global supply chain network. India has taken early initiatives such as creation of many new harmonised code systems to identify different gem & jewellery industry segments leading to correct classification and valuation. It is good to see GJEPC and CIBJO work together for enhancing trust, traceability and transparency.”
Ms. Feriel Zerouki, President, WDC, said, ”India has been the heart of the global gem & jewellery business. India continues to play an increasingly central role in the global supply chain. India is now much more than traditional focus on cutting and polishing centre. India is now emerging as a rapidly growing global hub and consumer centre. It is always exciting to be in India where the passion, experience and expertise in the gem & jewellery business is growing constantly. Our business is cyclical and eventually the cycle rebounds and we shall experience upswing. We thank GJEPC for being unwavering in its support for developing G7 solutions framework in an effective practical and accessible manner.”
Mr. Yoram Dvash, President, WFDB, said, ”The World Federation of Diamond Bourses is closely linked to the gem & jewellery industry. As economies are struggling and the US and China are facing challenging times, we are advocating Sustainability Responsibility and Transparency. Industry faces external and internal challenges. De Beers recognised the challenges faced by natural diamond industry and as key stakeholder, it has decided to invest $20 mn in marketing programs to enhance demand in the forthcoming festival season. CIBJO will discuss radical steps to boost the demand for natural diamonds. The WFDB along with GJEPC and CIBJO Congress will support the objectives of the G7 and create framework for self-regulation in the industry”
Mr. Damien Cody, President, ICA, said, ”The world’s gemstone industry has been in existence for thousands of years and it will continue to endure. The potential for growth in China and India is phenomenal and enormous. Gem & jewellery trade is trying to win customers back in the context of geopolitical and economic pressures. The demand at the top end of market is growing as seen in auctions. Impact of synthetics has grown and though disruptive, it has a place in the market. The marketing of synthetics needs to be controlled. The consumer needs to have clear unambiguous messages with full disclosures and disclaimers. The opposite will impact trust. Consumers are demanding more in terms of environment and sustainability. Complete transparency is impossible in gemstones but members are evolving and embracing continuous enhancements. Artisans and craftsmen communities should not feel the heat and impact of rapid changes. The wonderful vibrant stories of artisanal communities need to be celebrated across the world.”
As the global jewelry industry converges in Jaipur for the CIBJO Congress 2023, it is clear that this event will serve as a pivotal moment for the sector, emphasizing ethics, sustainability, and excellence while fostering meaningful dialogues and driving the industry toward a brighter and more responsible future.