Pearls
Changes to pearl nomenclature?
Posted February 22, 2011 | By Lorna Goodyer
Retailers and suppliers need to change the way they describe pearls to avoid ambiguity within the industry and with the buying public, according to a special report by the World Jewellery Confederation’s (CIBJO) Pearl Commission.
The report was filed ahead of next month’s annual CIBJO Congress. The confederation said, “While it is recognised that the use of the word 'pearl' alone only describes a natural pearl (clause 4.2.7, that has been part of the CIBJO rules for many decades), modern usage dictates that it should always be qualified with either 'natural', 'cultured' or ‘imitation’; thus reducing any possible ambiguity, particularly among the buying public.”
CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewellery trade organisations that aims to promote international co-operation in the global jewellery industry and consider issues that concern the trade worldwide.
The special report reviewed a number of possible amendments to CIBJO’s Pearl Blue Book. CIBJO’s Blue Books cover many areas and are designed as reference guides for how the jewellery industry should operate on certain issues worldwide.
Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) federal publicity officer Kathryn Wyatt said the proposed amendment to pearl nomenclature made sense.
She pointed out that, as the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) and GAA are both members of CIBJO, both organisations must abide by the guidelines laid out in CIBJO’s Blue Books and their members need to recognise any amendments that get approved.
JAA chief executive Ian Hadassin said, “Our Code of Practice does ensure that all the Blue Books’ guidelines are followed – unless a CIBJO guideline conflicts with Australian law. Australian law will always take precedence.”
He added that the Pearl Blue Book would be a “timely arrival” and help clarify the descriptive nomenclature for stores. “The detailed and transparent description of pearls – and other stones – is a problem in some stores, particularly department stores who often refer to faux pearls merely as ‘pearls’.”
CIBJO said, “This issue is somewhat controversial and should provide an interesting exchange of conversations at the congress in Porto.”
It is hoped that changes to the Blue Book will bring the Pearl Commission a step closer to setting global standards on trade of the organic gem.
At present, the Pearl Commission’s Steering Committee includes Nicholas Paspaley, executive chairman of Australia’s Paspaley pearl jewellery group.
The amendments are to be discussed at next month’s congress, which will be held in Porto, Portugal, on March 14.
To read the full report, click here: Pearl Commission Report 2011
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