EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
OtherMar 29, 2016
CIBJO releases first Blue Book for coral
CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, has debuted its first Blue Book on coral, defining acceptable trade and industry practices and nomenclature for this organic material.
Milan--CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, has debuted its first Blue Book on coral, defining acceptable trade and industry practices and nomenclature for coral.
The full Coral Book, compiled by the CIBJO Coral Commission, can be downloaded from the CIBJO website here.
It marks the sixth in the Blue Book series, joining diamonds, gemstones and pearls--all three of which have been recently updated--as well as precious metals and gemological laboratories. Each is compiled and updated by relevant CIBJO Commissions, whose members include representatives of trade organizations and laboratories that are active in the industry.
The Coral Book includes terms that should be used to describe coral and disclose treatments, and those that should be used to define associated artificial products. Methods to maintain the quality of coral jewelry are listed, as are the various types of different precious coral species.
While the Blue Book gives guidelines for international trade practices surrounding coral, jewelers in the United States need to be aware of the laws here concerning this organic, and endangered, material.
The JVC’s Sara Yood told National Jeweler that coral currently is subject to regulation in the U.S.
Requirements include declaration and licensing permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for importation and exportation, as well as additional declarations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon import. Certain coral materials are prohibited altogether.
There’s also the United Nations’ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which is mentioned in CIBJO’s Coral Book. This is an international treaty between more than 175 nations, including the U.S., to ensure that international trade in species of wildlife and plants does not threaten their survival. There are three levels of control under it.
In the United States, CITES is implemented through the Endangered Species Act, which provides the framework for prohibiting trade in the country and prevents harvesting, import, export or sale of listed endangered or threatened species.
Coral reefs currently are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet today. There are two types of coral, reef and deep sea, and the Yood said that the industry generally uses deep
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
sea coral and blue reef coral.
These are regulated under international law as CITES Appendix II, which means they may become extinct unless protected. Some other species of red corals that are also used in the jewelry trade are listed as CITES Appendix III, indicating they are subject to controls.
“If a jeweler is purchasing coral with the intent to export for sale, it is always important to verify that the seller has the appropriate CITES permit for the coral,” Yood said in an email. “The jeweler will need to provide a copy of the CITES document used to import that specimen in order to get a re-export certificate from USFWS. Jewelers should always check with USFWS before importing/exporting animal products.”
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
