Editor’s Note
This article outlines the CIBJO Academy’s evolution into a key educational resource for the global jewellery sector, detailing new initiatives ahead of the 2025 Congress.
With an eye on the upcoming CIBJO Congress 2025, to be held in Paris from October 27 to 30, the World Jewellery Confederation has released the first of its Special Reports ahead of the meeting. Prepared by the Marketing and Education Commission under the direction of Jonathan Kendall, the document reveals details about two ambitious projects aimed at strengthening training within the international jewelry industry.
Founded in 2023, the CIBJO Academy has solidified its position as the central pillar of a global education program. Its goal is clear: to bring professionals and consumers closer to the knowledge of the standards, principles, and terminology developed by CIBJO’s expert commissions and committees over the years.
Under the leadership of CIBJO Vice President Kenneth Scarratt, who serves as Dean, the academy designs and delivers courses and materials through multiple channels: from its official website and social media to online seminars and in-person events.
The academy’s core content is based on the renowned CIBJO Blue Books, which set international standards for diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, coral, precious metals, gemological laboratories, and responsible sourcing. However, the institution has expanded its scope through new practical guides developed by specialized working groups. The report highlights four of these, dedicated to pearls, precious coral, jade, and opal.
The second major initiative announced is the creation of the International Fine Jewellery Academy (IFJA), an educational institute that will be headquartered in Milan and aspires to become a global benchmark. Its proposal combines academic training with practical experiences in companies in Northern Italy, renowned for their artisanal mastery.
The project is born from a partnership between CIBJO, ConfCommercio (Italy’s largest business association), the Mani Intelligenti Foundation of Valenza—dedicated to training new generations of Italian goldsmiths—and CAPAC – Politecnico del Commercio e del Turismo, a non-profit foundation with over six decades of experience in professional training.
The IFJA will offer international programs aimed at students from around the world, highlighting the legacy of the Italian jewelry sector and transmitting the techniques of some of the world’s most outstanding artisans.
With these initiatives, CIBJO confirms its role not only as a regulatory body and generator of international standards but also as an educational engine for a constantly evolving sector.