In a groundbreaking move for the jewellery industry, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has initiated a four-month public consultation for The Blue List: The Responsible Jewellery Supply Chain Lexicon. This effort signifies the end of a collaborative project lasting over three years aimed at creating a globally unified glossary of responsible sourcing and sustainability terms for the jewellery, gemstone, and precious metals sectors.
The public consultation for the draft glossary commences today at the UFBJOP (Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres & des Perles) headquarters, coinciding with the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris. It will conclude on September 6, 2025, at the VicenzaOro jewellery exhibition in Vicenza, Italy.
The Blue List, developed by CIBJO’s Nomenclature Committee, addresses the increasing demand for transparency and the absence of cohesive oversight regarding marketing claims. To tackle this issue, the Committee assessed commonly used consumer terminology and conducted research relying on international standards, legal evaluations, and existing industry guidelines. The results showed considerable gaps that led to confusion and ambiguity throughout the supply chain. The draft Blue List aims to mitigate these gaps through a strong framework designed to ensure that terminology is precise, well-supported, and user-friendly. Ultimately, this initiative is intended to safeguard consumer trust by assuring that marketing claims are transparent, credible, and widely understood.
The Blue List signifies a collective commitment from the industry to establish consistent terminology around responsible sourcing. Co-chaired by Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, and Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of Provenance, Ethics & Industry Relations at De Beers Group, with Purvi Shah, Head of Ethical and Sustainable Value Chains at De Beers Group, serving as lead.
This working group unites voices from all segments of the supply chain—from mining enterprises to retailers—comprising major brands, small and medium-sized enterprises, national and international trade associations, legal experts, and stakeholders from the sectors of diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, coral, and precious metals.
“The Blue List is a crucial step towards enhanced consistency and credibility in how our industry discusses responsibility,” remarked Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO. “As the demand for transparency increases, the lack of clear, harmonised terminology has resulted in misunderstandings, even among industry professionals. By offering universally accepted language and guidance for substantiation, we are establishing a common framework that builds trust both within the industry and with the public.”
“Words are important, particularly when it concerns ethics and sustainability,” stated Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of Provenance, Ethics & Industry Relations at De Beers Group. “The Blue List empowers companies to communicate responsibly, confidently, and consistently. It facilitates clear dialogue with consumers, supports responsible marketing, and reaffirms the principles we advocate for as an industry.”
CIBJO encourages all participants in the jewellery sector, along with external stakeholders and subject matter experts, to engage in the public consultation of The Blue List. Contributions are welcomed from all parts of the supply chain and related sectors. Submissions can be made online through a dedicated mini-site HERE, where interested individuals can become involved in the process. CIBJO also invites requests for presentations tailored to specific markets to enhance understanding and involvement across various regions.
After the consultation period and subsequent approval from the CIBJO Board of Directors, The Blue List will be officially launched at the 2025 CIBJO Congress in Paris, scheduled for October 27-29, 2025. Similar to the CIBJO Blue Books, it will function as a living document, regularly reviewed and updated as regulatory requirements change.