The gemmological sector is approaching a significant regulatory milestone. The CIBJO Gemmological Commission has proposed the creation of an official register of laboratories that comply with the technical and management requirements defined in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Blue Book.
CIBJO Blue Books are internationally recognized guidelines that set the standard for professional conduct and reporting across the global jewellery industry. What will happen once this register becomes operational?
It is still too early to know for sure. What is certain, however, is that the initiative will follow the same principles of integrity and transparency that have guided the Blue Book since its first edition in 2020, most recently updated in 2024.
Under the current Blue Book, laboratories are expected to implement certifiable quality management systems, establish written operational procedures, ensure full sample traceability, and maintain complete records of audits, complaints, and corrective actions. Where applicable, compliance with ISO 17025 will be required, along with active management commitment to continuous improvement of the quality system.
Each laboratory should employ qualified technical staff responsible for management, control, and quality assurance, with clear documentation of competencies and division of duties. Equipment, environment, and procedures must be subject to regular maintenance, calibration, and technological updates.
A key strength of the Blue Book lies in its detailed analytical and classification methodologies. Each gem category has precisely defined procedures, ensuring that every issued report accurately reflects the stone’s characteristics. The purpose of this framework is to enhance transparency, consistency, and trust across the entire gemmological supply chain.
Still, many professionals are asking how small-scale laboratories will cope with such demanding standards. Upgrading to this level of structure means investing in digital systems, data management, training, and instrumentation — often a challenge for artisanal or family-run operations.
Yet CIBJO has a long-standing commitment to protecting small business rights. It is therefore expected that the final guidelines will include gradual and flexible pathways to compliance, enabling smaller laboratories to align with international standards without compromising their individuality.
The final operational framework will be announced following the CIBJO Congress in October, when the definitive guidelines are released. For now, IGR informs its readers that an important decision for the future of gemmological certification is imminent, and that detailed evaluations will be provided once the official documentation is made public.
