Introduction

The CIBJO Blue Books are  a definitive set of standards for the grading, methodology and nomenclature standards for diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, precious metals, and since recently also for gemmological terminology and nomenclature. The CIBJO Blue Books were initially compiled, and since have been consistently updated, by a number of committees, comprised of representatives from trade organizations and laboratories in the diamond, coloured gemstone, cultured pearl, precious metals and jewellery industries.

The standards represented a consensus derived from the broad expertise on the subject within these committees, and also from individuals outside the committees who had expressed an interest in participating in the development of the guidelines.

Initially the first three publications were printed with different coloured covers-blue for the Gemstone Book, grey for the Diamond Book, and green for the Pearl Book. In 2007, the Precious Metals book was launched and in 2010 the CIBJO Gemmological Book was released.

Today, these publications are generally referred to as the CIBJO Blue Books.

The standards apply to all gemstones (organic and inorganic), synthetic, artificial and imitation, and pearl products. The application of the Blue Books' standards is voluntary. However, it is recommended that these standards should apply to all persons, partnerships and corporations (including but not limited to individuals, wholesalers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers) at all points in the trade internationally, from the initial sourcing of all industry products up to and including the creation of jewelry and objets d'art, where applicable.

These standards should apply to representations through all methods and occurrences of marketing, labeling, sales, merchandising, advertising and promotion, whether asserted directly or by implication through words, symbols, emblems, logos, illustrations, depictions, product brand names or through any other means and medium currently known and accepted and any new mediums which may occur through changes in technology and methodology.

The viewpoint expressed at the time these standards are approved and issued is subject to change brought about through developments in the industry and comments received from users of these standards. The Blue Books are living documents that are subject to review annually for revision or reaffirmation. Users are cautioned to check to determine that they have the latest edition of the Blue Books.

Comments for revision of the Blue Books standards are welcome from any interested party, regardless of membership affiliation with any trade organization or laboratory. Suggestions for changes in documents should be in the form of a proposed change of text, together with appropriate supporting comments.

Downloads:

The Gemstone Book (2010-1) (right click on the link and save object with name)

The Pearl Book (2010-1) (right click on the link and save object with name)

The Diamond Book (2010-1) (right click on the link and save object with name)

The Precious Metals Book (2010-1) (right click on the link and save object with name)

All suggestions should be sent to the CIBJO Secretariat located at:

CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it