Gaetano Cavalieri hands out awards to Gem-A graduates, praises efforts of British industry to create ethical supply chain

LONDON: NOVEMBER 6, 2012 – Gaetano Cavalieri, the president of CIBJO, was the guest of honour yesterday evening at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, where he presented diplomas and awards to this year’s graduates. The ceremony was held at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, during the Gem-A Conference that is taking place in the city.

Speaking to the graduates, Dr. Cavalieri stressed the responsibility that they now have in defending the integrity of the jewellery sector and in enhancing consumer confidence.

“In the modern jewellery industry, where a single item is likely to include materials and input from a variety of countries, global standards must apply,” Dr. Cavalieri stated. “National laws and regulations must be honoured and enforced, but in the end the ultimate judge and jury is the consumer, and today we have to consider the needs of consumers at home and abroad.”

“Gem-A,” he said, “was instilled with the professional spirit of this country’s jewellery heritage, which makes you, today’s graduates, all descendants and keepers of that flame. It is both a great privilege and a great responsibility.”

Dr. Cavalieri praised the coordinated efforts of British jewellery organisations to ensure an ethical chain of supply in the industry. “In the same way that, in the past, we defended our trade through the cultivation of professional techniques and standards, which were designed to guarantee the physical integrity of the product, we need to defend our business through the development of ethical and responsible standards and practices, which will guarantee the moral integrity of our jewellery and our business community. In the world of today, the consumer should expect no less,” he said.

“What is particularly important is that the effort should encompass all elements of our business, providing solutions for every participant, large or small, at all stages along the supply chain. Each member of our trade should be provided a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate that he or she acts responsibly and with integrity,” Dr. Cavalieri noted.

CIBJO is the international jewellery confederation of national trade organisations. CIBJO’s purpose is to encourage harmonisation, promote international cooperation in the jewellery industry and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. CIBJO’s chief mission is to protect consumer confidence in the industry. Click here to go to the CIBJO website for more information.