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The 2026 CIBJO Centenary Congress opened in VICENZAORO with welcome addresses from Italian government and industry leaders, who congratulated the World Jewellery Confederation on its first 100 years and highlighted the importance of standards, sustainability and consumer confidence to the global gems and jewellery industry. The congress, being held at the Fiera di Vicenza during the VICENZAORO jewellery show, marks 100 years since CIBJO was established in 1926. Italian Enterprise Minister Adolfo Urso welcomed delegates to Vicenza, describing the city as the “cradle of Italian gems and jewellery craftsmanship”. “We are taking steps to support this sector, recognising challenges such as the increasing costs of precious materials,” Senator Urso said in a address delivered remotely to the large audience in the Palladio Theatre at the Fiera di Vicenza. Also addressing the opening session remotely was Professor Giuseppe Valditara, Minister of Education and Merit. Maurizio Ermeti, President of Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), organiser of VICENZAORO, spoke of the significance of hosting the Centenary Congress. “VICENZAORO is one of the main global events in the jewellery industry, and has always stood beside CIBJO to move towards a jewellery industry that can be ethical and sustainable.” He added: “Jewellery is going through a complex time. That CIBJO chose to be here to celebrate its 100 years is something we are most proud of.” Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, outlined the organisation’s history in a keynote speech, highlighting its work to establish standards across market segments ranging from pearls to precious metals and its role in developing universal standards for the global industry.CIBJO’s Congresses also provide a forum for its sectoral commissions, which maintain the organisation’s international industry standards, known as the Blue Books. Dr Cavalieri said the Congress had brought together members of the global trade from across the supply chain. “This sense of community is the most notable feature of our community in the 21st century,” he said. “A business community that in the not too distant future can develop a revenue of half a trillion dollars annually is nothing less than transformative.” He also referred to CIBJO’s ongoing work to assess the impact of rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence, on the gems and jewellery industry. Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy at Cartier, spoke of the importance of CIBJO in safeguarding universal standards across the global gems and jewellery supply chain. “Paradoxically, we are more connected than ever and having more difficulties understanding each other,” he said, underlining the importance of CIBJO in resolving challenges facing the global industry. Mr Vigneron highlighted the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, including tariffs, on the industry. CIBJO provides a forum for finding solutions to challenges triggered by geopolitical turmoil, he said. “We are in a period of impermanence and it is a test to find ways forward,” he said. “Congratulations, CIBJO, for 100 years – and happy birthday!” Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DMCC, spoke of his longstanding ties with CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri and thanked CIBJO and IEG for bringing delegates together for the Congress. “The real test is where a group can respond when markets come under pressure,” he said. “The market today is very different from 1926,” he said, referring to the rapid advance of technology and standards. “Standards cannot remain static.” Mr Bin Sulayem also spoke of the importance of rebuilding consumer confidence in natural diamond markets. Jeweller Roberto Coin highlighted the longstanding relationship between CIBJO and Italy as the organisation celebrates its centenary at Vicenzaoro. He also stressed the importance of the terminology set out in CIBJO’s Blue Books, which he said underpinned industry standards. Mr Coin said the diamond industry was losing out because of confusion over natural and synthetic diamonds, frustrating jewellery customers. Emotive and consistent messaging was needed to restore consumer confidence, he said. Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer of De Beers Group, spoke of the importance of diamonds as a store of value. He related how his family regained their freedom decades ago after crossing the border from Iran to Turkey as political refugees, with his father carrying gold and diamonds hidden in his clothes as a means of embarking on a new life in America. “That trust in the store of value of diamonds is what CIBJO has been protecting over the last 100 years,” he said. Tim Schlick, CEO of Platinum Guild International, spoke of the impact of rapidly changing geopolitics on jewellery markets, including platinum. “Tech innovation, in particular AI, will bring great changes to industry – eliminating time and costs, and bringing trend predictions,” he said. Michael DiRienzo, CEO of the U.S.-based Silver Institute, praised CIBJO’s longstanding contribution to establishing high standards, including its work on responsible sourcing. “May the next 200 years of CIBJO be built with the same patience that built the first 100 years,” he said. Ken Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, congratulated CIBJO on a century of visionary leadership. “For the last 100 years, CIBJO has developed the language for our trade,” he said. He praised the CIBJO Jade Guide, which he said had improved the technical expertise of many trade participants. Raluca Anghel, head of external affairs at Natural Diamond Council, said NDC had been an ally of CIBJO in its mission to boost the desirability of diamonds. “I am very much in support of CIBJO leading the conversation on terminology in the Blue Books,” she said, referring to the need to overcome jewellery customers’ confusion over nomenclature in diamond markets. Colleen Rooney, chief corporate affairs officer of Signet Jewelers, congratulated CIBJO on its first 100 years and said the diplomacy of its president, Gaetano Cavalieri, had made a significant contribution to the organisation’s progress in developing global standards. Dave Maleski, Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council, said CIBJO was making its best efforts to address the challenges of setting standards in an imperfect world. Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), thanked CIBJO for its achievements in developing the Blue Books and providing guidance on nomenclature. “Standards such as CIBJO Blue Books benefit trade and consumers,” he said. Mehul Shah, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), said CIBJO had worked tirelessly to promote consumer confidence across the diamond industry through its Blue Books. Edward Johnson, Corporate responsibility director of Gemfields, said the Congress provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities facing the industry in the future. “Trust and relationships were, and still are, integral to our industry,” he said. “Much of the industry that I have seen has also sought to be responsible. “Today, priorities such as human rights, sustainability and responsible sourcing are integral priorities for our industry.” Damien Cody, President of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), said the ICA and CIBJO had shared knowledge, experiences and a common voice on responsible sourcing, transparency and trust – issues that transcend national borders. “As we celebrate 100 years, we are committed to finding the best ways forward together.”

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