The Executive Committee of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, met in special session in Milan on November 7, 2005. The meet was a two day affair that aimed at discussion of urgent issues on the organization’s agenda. The Executive Committee, comprising of representatives of CIBJO-affiliated national jewellery associations, is the ultimate decision-making forum of the world confederation. The most pressing issues like CIBJO’s relationship with the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP), the revision of the diamond-related section of CIBJO’s Blue Book and the variance of operating procedures and grading standards used in gem labs worldwide and CIBJO role in resolving them were discussed.

The meeting started with discussion about CIBJO’s future association with CRJP. A resolution was passed by the Executive Committee, to reaffirm the letter sent by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri to CRJP on August 31, 2005, informing CRJP that CIBJO was withdrawing from the council. CIBJO’s decision to remain outside CRJP still stands, but CIBJO is prepared to consider re-engaging CRJP. CIBJO declared its willingness to work with other representative bodies active in the international jewellery, gemstones, pearls and precious metals sectors, with the aim of arriving at a common policy regarding CRJP. “We would like to continue to engage CRJP, but only on condition that its members agree to enact changes to the council’s structure and operation which will make it accessible to all participants in our industry—large and small—who support the principles on which consumer confidence in our business must be based,” Cavalieri stated as he addressed the meeting.%%The Executive Committee called on the CIBJO Diamond Commission to review diamond section of the organization’s Blue Book which is a set of standards for the grading, methodology and nomenclature of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls. It has been the definitive document used by national courts in settling disputes in recent years. The 30 year old original version of the diamond section will be revised to account for new technologies. It will be presented for the consideration of the CIBJO General Assembly scheduled to be held in 2006 in Vancouver which will coincide with the 80th anniversary of CIBJO. It will take place at the Pan Pacific Hotel, and it is being hosted by the Canadian Jewellers Association. The Committee also discussed proliferation of gem and ways in which CIBJO could act. The aim was formulating strategy proposals for CIBJO and to consider organizing a gathering of laboratory representatives.