A Centennial Milestone for Global Jewellery
The CIBJO Congress 2025 opened at the Comet Auditorium in Paris, marking the beginning of the World Jewellery Confederation’s centenary year. Founded in the same city in 1926, CIBJO continues to serve as the unifying voice of the international jewellery industry.
Welcoming more than 250 delegates, CIBJO President Dr Gaetano Cavalieri reflected on nearly a century of dialogue and collaboration. He emphasised the organisation’s purpose as a bridge across the global supply chain — “from mine to marketplace” — and its ongoing commitment to harmonised standards, responsible business practices and consumer trust.
He paid tribute to UFBJOP President Daniel Cambour and Executive President Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq for hosting this landmark edition, noting that CIBJO’s roots remain deeply tied to France’s tradition of craftsmanship and innovation.
Leadership Voices on Ethics and Innovation
The opening session brought together leading figures from across the jewellery landscape — from heritage maisons to modern sustainability champions.
Daniel Cambour highlighted the need to uphold artisanal excellence while embracing innovation. Didier Roux of Franceclat praised CIBJO’s standard-setting role, and Cyrille Vigneron, Cartier’s Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy, spoke of jewellery’s emotional core and the need to balance creativity with ethical and scientific integrity.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer at Kering, emphasised that “sustainability is central to luxury,” urging collaboration across generations and regions. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council and Chief Trade and Industry Officer at De Beers, lauded CIBJO’s leadership in maintaining global integrity standards, while Maurizio Ermeti of Italian Exhibition Group invited delegates to Vicenza in 2026 for the organisation’s 100-year celebration.
Industry Challenges and Forward Momentum
Sessions throughout the Congress explored the state of the global jewellery industry — from consumer expectations and ethical sourcing to price volatility and digital transformation.
David Kellie of the Natural Diamond Council called for stronger consumer-centric strategies to sustain demand, reminding the audience that “millions of livelihoods depend on how we inspire desire and trust.”
Feriel Zerouki underscored that sustainability must be a non-negotiable part of every business plan.
Terry Hayman of the World Gold Council discussed record gold prices and their impact on the trade, while Roberto Coin addressed the strain on Italian jewellers caused by speculative demand. Tim Schlick of Platinum Guild International saw opportunity amid volatility, noting consumers’ growing willingness to pay a premium for platinum jewellery.
Marco Carniello of Italian Exhibition Group spoke on the renewed strength of international trade fairs, positioning them as “platforms of trust” in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Closing the session, Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq reflected on the soul of the industry: “In one word, it is love.” She reaffirmed the importance of accurate nomenclature, particularly around laboratory-grown diamonds, and highlighted the CIBJO Blue Books as essential references for global standards.
Looking Ahead
As the Congress continues in Paris, the tone is clear: the jewellery industry’s future depends on collective responsibility — combining heritage and innovation, beauty and truth, creativity and conscience. The centenary year has begun not merely as a celebration of history, but as a call to action for a more transparent and sustainable tomorrow.