Story Highlight
– 2025 CIBJO Congress in Paris opens on October 27.
– CIBJO Ethics Commission report addresses business integrity.
– Four critical dimensions: anti-money laundering, marketing ethics, etc.
– Technology can enhance integrity but poses risks too.
– Integrity essential for consumer trust and industry success.
Full Story
With the 2025 CIBJO Congress set to commence in Paris on October 27, a new report has been issued by the CIBJO Ethics Commission, chaired by Sara Yood. This document, the sixth in a series of pre-congress Special Reports, highlights four pivotal aspects of business integrity pertinent to the jewellery and watch sectors: anti-money laundering and financial transparency, marketing ethics with a focus on greenwashing, consumer disclosure regarding product authenticity, and the role of technology in enhancing transparency.
Ms. Yood underscores the pressing need for integrity and transparency throughout the supply chain. She stated, “Today, no issue is more urgent than ensuring integrity and transparency across the supply chain. As consumer expectations evolve and regulatory frameworks tighten, the industry must reaffirm its commitment to honest practices that protect both businesses and consumers.”
The report also discusses the potential of modern technologies to bolster industry integrity. Ms. Yood notes that blockchain technology could offer secure records of product provenance, while artificial intelligence (AI) may enhance consistency in grading and pricing processes. However, she cautions against the risks these technologies pose, referring to the reliance of blockchain on the precision of initial data inputs. “False or incomplete information at the source compromises the entire chain,” she warns. Furthermore, she highlights potential issues with AI systems, including embedded biases and a lack of transparency in their operations.
Emphasising the message of the report, Ms. Yood asserts, “Integrity and transparency are not abstract ideals – they are necessities for the jewellery industry to continue to succeed. Without them, consumer trust erodes, regulators impose harsher restrictions, and the industry’s symbolic value is diminished. With them, jewellery retains its position as a universal emblem of beauty, celebration, and permanence.”
The release of this report comes as the industry prepares for discussions on these critical topics at the upcoming congress.