Story Highlight
– 2025 CIBJO Congress opens on October 27 in Paris.
– CIBJO Ethics Commission releases sixth pre-congress report.
– Report highlights four dimensions of business integrity.
– Technology can enhance but also threaten industry integrity.
– Transparency is essential for consumer trust and industry success.
Full Story
The CIBJO Congress in Paris set for October 27, 2025, is approaching, with less than five weeks remaining. Ahead of the event, the sixth Special Report has been released by the CIBJO Ethics Commission, which is led by Sara Yood. This report addresses four essential aspects of maintaining business integrity in the jewellery and watch sectors: anti-money laundering measures, financial transparency, ethics in marketing, the risks associated with greenwashing, consumer disclosure, product integrity, and the role of technology in ensuring transparency.
Sara Yood emphasised the pressing need for integrity and transparency within the supply chain, stating, “Today, no issue is more urgent than ensuring integrity and transparency across the supply chain.” As consumer habits shift and regulatory pressures increase, the jewellery industry is urged to recommit to ethical practices that safeguard both businesses and their customers.
In her analysis, Yood highlighted the potential benefits of emerging technologies in enhancing the industry’s integrity. “Blockchain technology, for example, can provide tamper-proof records of provenance, while artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to greater consistency in grading and pricing,” she explained.
However, she cautioned against the inherent risks of these technologies. “Blockchain systems rely on the accuracy of the data input. False or incomplete information at the source compromises the entire chain. AI systems, while efficient, may embed biases or lack transparency in their decision-making processes,” Yood warned.
Yood concluded with a strong message about the importance of integrity and transparency, stating, “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.” This, she believes, is crucial for maintaining jewellery’s enduring status as a cherished symbol of beauty and celebration.
For further insights, the full special report can be accessed.