SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
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
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
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
