The International Colored Gemstone Association has joined the United Nation’s Research Institute on Crime and Justice to develop a mechanism to certify and track colored gemstones from their countries of origin.

“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,” said ICA President Wilson Yuen in a statement. “This will undoubtedly enhance the transparency of the distribution chain and benefit all the stakeholders from mine to market and build up consumer confidence.”

The initiative will also include assistance from the Vienna International Justice Institute. It was presented in a meeting on April 9 and 10 at the UNICRI headquarters in Turin, Italy 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 luxury jewelry brands and members of the gemological laboratory sector.

The meeting included presentations of case studies by Brazil and South Africa on issues related to the colored gemstones and precious metals supply chain from mine to export.

JCK