CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SourcingSep 10, 2018
Gübelin, Everledger to Roll Out Blockchain for Gems in 2019
It will be free and open to all who are interested, beginning at the Tucson gem shows.
The blockchain developed in partnership by Everledger and Gübelin Gem Lab tracks colored gemstones through the supply chain, beginning at the mine all the way through to the consumer.
Lucerne, Switzerland—The blockchain for gemstones developed by Gübelin Gem Lab and technology company Everledger soon will be available industry-wide.
Gübelin first announced the blockchain project in January as part of its Provenance Proof initiative, created to establish solutions and services for transparency along the global supply chain.
The Provenance Proof Blockchain is designed to keep tabs on colored gemstones as they travel along the supply chain.
Tracking the stones begins at the mine, and then each transaction adds an entry to the blockchain, resulting in a record that tracks the stone’s journey all the way to the end user.
Every transaction can be recorded with a smartphone to allow all sectors of the industry to utilize it.
To test the system in its pilot phase, Gübelin and Everledger established “a simplified supply chain consisting of high-profile pilot partners,” including a major emerald mining company, a cutting factory and global jewelry brands, though specifics on which companies were involved was not available by press time.
During that phase, the stakeholders tested its functionality, user-friendliness and security.
The pilot testing is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter. Global rollout and onboarding will begin during the Tucson gem shows in February 2019.
The blockchain is open for full use to anyone in the industry who is interested, and Gübelin noted it is meant to be used independently of the lab or Everledger. To ensure it will provide the best solution to the industry autonomously, further development and maintenance of the blockchain will be entrusted to an advisory board; details of who will serve on the board were not available by press time.
Gübelin also said there are no fees involved in using the blockchain, as contributing and accessing the data is free of charge.
The Provenance Proof blockchain will allow for visibility up the value chain (toward the mine), meaning the entity that has the stone in its ownership or custody will be able to see the identity and location of all involved prior to that point in time.
However, it won’t allow for downstream visibility (toward the consumer), meaning users within a blockchain won’t be able to see the identity and location of those involved after the stone leaves their custody.
Gübelin and Everledger said that due to the blockchain’s “resounding success,” they will continue to partner beyond the first phase to develop additional functionalities to the technology past next year. For example, since some users may have specific requirements for their business, like integration into their database or evaluation tools, add-ons built for the needs of specific users will be developed.
For additional information about or registration for the Provenance Proof Blockchain, interested parties can reach out via the Provenance Proof website.
Gübelin first announced the blockchain project in January as part of its Provenance Proof initiative, created to establish solutions and services for transparency along the global supply chain.
The Provenance Proof Blockchain is designed to keep tabs on colored gemstones as they travel along the supply chain.
Tracking the stones begins at the mine, and then each transaction adds an entry to the blockchain, resulting in a record that tracks the stone’s journey all the way to the end user.
Every transaction can be recorded with a smartphone to allow all sectors of the industry to utilize it.
To test the system in its pilot phase, Gübelin and Everledger established “a simplified supply chain consisting of high-profile pilot partners,” including a major emerald mining company, a cutting factory and global jewelry brands, though specifics on which companies were involved was not available by press time.
During that phase, the stakeholders tested its functionality, user-friendliness and security.
The pilot testing is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter. Global rollout and onboarding will begin during the Tucson gem shows in February 2019.
The blockchain is open for full use to anyone in the industry who is interested, and Gübelin noted it is meant to be used independently of the lab or Everledger. To ensure it will provide the best solution to the industry autonomously, further development and maintenance of the blockchain will be entrusted to an advisory board; details of who will serve on the board were not available by press time.
Gübelin also said there are no fees involved in using the blockchain, as contributing and accessing the data is free of charge.
The Provenance Proof blockchain will allow for visibility up the value chain (toward the mine), meaning the entity that has the stone in its ownership or custody will be able to see the identity and location of all involved prior to that point in time.
However, it won’t allow for downstream visibility (toward the consumer), meaning users within a blockchain won’t be able to see the identity and location of those involved after the stone leaves their custody.
Gübelin and Everledger said that due to the blockchain’s “resounding success,” they will continue to partner beyond the first phase to develop additional functionalities to the technology past next year. For example, since some users may have specific requirements for their business, like integration into their database or evaluation tools, add-ons built for the needs of specific users will be developed.
For additional information about or registration for the Provenance Proof Blockchain, interested parties can reach out via the Provenance Proof website.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
