core sector communique

 'Pearl' usage and expansion of 'cultured pearl' definition
on top of agenda Pearl commission in Vicenza

Milan, Italy -- May 4, 2012: Since the conclusion of the 2011 CIBJO Congress in Portugal, discussions concerning the use of clear and unambiguous terminology when using the word "pearl" were continued by means of face-to-face meetings, as well through e-mail exchanges among the regular attendees of CIBJO Congresses. i.e. CIBJO members.

However, Kenneth Scarratt, president of the CIBJO Pearl Commission (PM) -- who is also Director of Research, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Thailand -- felt these discussions also needed to include key industry players that normally do not attend CIBJO congresses, but recognize the importance of the Pearl Commission's role and the centrality of the CIBJO Pearl Book, which, by lack of an ISO standard, is in all practical terms the industry standard for pearl nomenclature.

The pearl industry players who were invited to attend the extraordinary PC meeting at the beginning of the September Hong Kong Gem and Jewellery Fair included many natural pearl dealers, pearl fishers, as well as cultured pearl producers, dealers, retailers, associations and the major auction houses.

At the meeting they discussed Clause 4.2.7 of the CIBJO Pearl Book, in particular the use of the term "pearl" of CIBJO's Pearl Book latest draft. In Hong Kong, two schools of thought were put forward for consideration in the formation of the wording of Clause 4.2.7.