CIBJO has unveiled the first of its pre-congress Special Reports ahead of the 2025 CIBJO Congress in Paris, spotlighting two ambitious educational initiatives designed to elevate professional standards and expand knowledge across the international jewellery sector. The report was compiled by the CIBJO Marketing and Education Commission, under the leadership of Jonathan Kendall.
The first initiative, the CIBJO Academy, launched in 2023, is positioned as the central hub for educating both industry professionals and consumers on the standards, terminology, and best practices established by CIBJO’s commissions and expert committees. Directed by CIBJO Vice President and Dean Kenneth Scarratt, the Academy delivers training through a mix of digital and in-person channels, including webinars, social media, the CIBJO website, and live events.
Central to its curriculum are the CIBJO Blue Books, recognized as the industry’s definitive references for diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, coral, precious metals, gem labs, and responsible sourcing. The Academy is further expanding its offerings with new expert-authored guides on pearls, precious coral, jade, and opal, ensuring wider access to specialized knowledge.
The second initiative is the creation of the International Fine Jewellery Academy (IFJA), headquartered in Milan, Italy. Conceived as a global training hub, IFJA will provide both classroom education and hands-on experience, drawing on the expertise of Italian master jewellers and partner companies across northern Italy.
The institute is being established through a joint partnership between CIBJO; ConfCommercio, Italy’s largest trade association; Fondazione Mani Inteligenti of Valenza, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of goldsmiths; and CAPAC – Politecnico del Commercio e del Turismo, a leading professional training foundation with more than six decades of experience.
“Education and training are essential pillars of the jewellery industry, and CIBJO is committed to making them a core value proposition for our members and partners,” said Jonathan Kendall. “These initiatives reflect our mission to empower individuals, strengthen standards, and secure the industry’s future.”