CIBJO Congress Commences in Paris, Spotlight on Standards and Sustainability
The 2025 annual congress of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) opened on October 27 at the Comet Auditorium in Paris, welcoming over 250 delegates from every link of the global jewellery supply chain. As CIBJO nears its centennial year, the event reaffirms its legacy as a key force upholding industry standards, consumer confidence, and ethical business conduct.
CIBJO President Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri and Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, Executive President of the host body UFBJOP, inaugurated the congress by underscoring the critical role of transparency and consumer protection amid ongoing technological and social shifts. They reiterated that the credibility of the jewellery industry hinges on accountability, responsible sourcing, and standardized nomenclature.
Distinguished speakers such as Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy at Cartier, and Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, explored the intersection of luxury, sustainability, and science. They urged greater collaboration between creative innovation, ethical responsibility, and environmental stewardship to ensure the industry’s continued relevance and responsibility.
A key highlight was the “State of the Jewellery Industry” session, presenting insights into global market trends, consumer attitudes, and sustainability challenges. David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, emphasized the importance of consumer engagement and demand creation, noting that millions depend on the vitality of the natural diamond sector. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council, reminded attendees that sustainability must be ingrained in business strategy, stating that “we will be judged by our actions.”
World Gold Council CFO Terry Hayman observed that record gold prices—largely driven by central bank buying—are reshaping jewellery demand, particularly across Asia. Platinum Guild International CEO Tim Schlick highlighted renewed interest in platinum jewellery amid gold price volatility and called for cohesive retail strategies to attract consumers.
From a trade-fair standpoint, Marco Carniello, Executive Business Officer at the Italian Exhibition Group, noted that exhibitors have become more discerning post-pandemic, emphasizing that fairs must now deliver tangible business value and trust in an increasingly digital environment. The host association, UFBJOP, also stressed the need for clear and consistent industry terminology, warning that misleading expressions such as “laboratory-grown diamonds” risk confusing consumers and undermining confidence.