The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has joined the United Nations Research Institute on Crime and Justice (UNICRI) to develop a mechanism to certify and track colored gemstones from their countries of origin. The initiative is being held with the assistance of the Vienna International Justice Institute (VIJI).
The initiative was presented in a meeting on April 9 and 10 at the UNICRI headquarter in Turin where selected stakeholders were invited for initial consultations.
The participants included representatives of governments of Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and Tanzania as well as from the luxury jewelry brands and gemological laboratory sector.
The meeting was highlighted by presentation of case studies by Brazil and South Africa on issues related to the colored gemstones and precious metals supply chain from mine to export and beyond.
ICA President Wilson Yuen addressed the audience with a summary of the situation and recent evolution of the industry.
“In the present context, tracking gemstones from their geographical origin with a realistic approach is an opportunity for the public sector, the gems and jewelry industry and civil society to address together social, technical and environmental issues as well as illicit and criminal practices threatening our sector. This will undoubtedly enhance the transparency of the distribution chain and benefit all the stakeholders from mine to market and build up consumer confidence” said Yuen.
