World Jewellery Confederation to Launch CIBJO Academy

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) will open an institution that aims to educate the industry about proper standards and terminology to be used in the trade.

CIBJO Academy will be headed by industry veteran Ken Scarratt, who has held executive positions at ICA GemLab, the Bahrain Institute of Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He is also the president of CIBJO’s Pearl Commission and vice president of its Coral Commission, CIBJO said Monday. The organization made the announcement at the Vicenzaoro show in Italy.

The school will deliver content from CIBJO’s Blue Books and guides, tailoring it for specific audiences. The information will cover subjects including natural diamonds, lab-grown, colored gemstones, pearls, precious metals, the principles of responsible sourcing, gem labs and marketing.

“The goal of the CIBJO Academy will be to make available to the greater jewelry community the massive body of work that is being produced on a constant basis by the commissions and special committees of [the] World Jewellery Confederation, in a way that is easily understood and applicable,” said Scarratt. “With new generations of consumers seeking professional guidance, it is vital that all industry members become aware of, and implement, these excellent CIBJO benchmarks.”

Image: Kenneth Scarratt (second from left) and CIBJO president Gaetano Calalieri (third from left) announcing the launch at Vicenzaoro. (World Jewellery Confederation)