CIBJO has unveiled the first in a series of pre-congress Special Reports ahead of its 2025 Congress in Paris, presenting two major educational initiatives for the international jewellery industry. The report was prepared by the CIBJO Marketing and Education Commission, chaired by Jonathan Kendall.
The first initiative, the CIBJO Academy, launched in 2023, serves as the central platform for educating both industry professionals and consumers about the standards, practices, and terminology developed by CIBJO’s commissions and expert committees. Led by CIBJO Vice President and Dean Kenneth Scarratt, the Academy offers learning programmes through its website, social media, webinars, and in-person events.
Its core curriculum is based on the CIBJO Blue Books, which define global standards for diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, coral, precious metals, gem labs, and responsible sourcing. The Academy is also expanding its offerings with new expert-prepared guides on pearls, precious coral, jade, and opal.
The second initiative is the International Fine Jewellery Academy (IFJA), set to open in Milan, Italy. Designed for students worldwide, the institute will provide classroom learning and hands-on training in collaboration with leading Italian jewellery artisans and northern Italian partner companies.
IFJA is being created through a collaboration between CIBJO; ConfCommercio, Italy’s largest trade association; Foundation Mani Inteligenti in Valenza, dedicated to goldsmith training; and CAPAC – Politecnico del Commercio e del Turismo, a vocational training foundation established in 1961.
“Education and training are fundamental for everyone in the jewellery industry and have become one of CIBJO’s core priorities,” said Jonathan Kendall. “We remain committed to strengthening and expanding these initiatives in the year ahead and beyond.”