MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
SourcingFeb 13, 2019
Gübelin’s Blockchain for Gems Now Open to the Industry
The Swiss gem lab’s Provenance Proof technology debuted during AGTA GemFair.
Gübelin’s blockchain technology, piloted with Fura Gems’ Colombian emeralds, is now open for the entire industry to use.
Tucson, Ariz.—Gübelin’s blockchain for colored stones, developed in partnership with Everledger, is now available to the entire industry.
The Swiss gem lab launched its Provenance Proof Blockchain during AGTA GemFair, officially opening its use to the trade.
Now, any professional stakeholder along the supply chain can register and, after a standard “Know your Customer” check, start using it.
It’s been a little more than a year since Gübelin announced it was developing the program to trace colored gemstones from mine to market, which it calls the first of its kind in the world.
The project comes as part of the lab’s Provenance Proof initiative, a long-term program designed to develop and provide technologies to the gemstone industry to make it more transparent. It includes the lab’s “Emerald Paternity Test.”
Gübelin’s blockchain aims to track a stone as early in the supply chain as possible to build a record of each rough gemstone’s journey. The owner or custodian of the stone is then able to contribute certain information to the log book through to, and including, the end consumer.
Fura Gems was the mining pilot partner, offering goods at its Coscuez Colombian emerald mine as test subjects for the blockchain technology.
The Gübelin family shouldered the cost of developing the technology, which means it is free to use for anyone in the trade.
“The industry has been changing and consumers are now interested in transparency, and this was my main motivation … to support blockchain and this whole initiative because I think we need to change now,” Raphael Gübelin, president of the House of Gübelin, said in Tucson.
To help keep it inclusive, every process, including the registration and upload of the data, can be done on a smartphone.
Visibility is restricted to the user in custody of the gemstone, and only is allowed upstream—meaning the current users can see who had the gemstone before them but do not see where it goes once it leaves their possession—though Everledger CEO Leanne Kemp told National Jeweler during an interview after the launch event that it could be reversed to allow someone at the beginning of the chain to see subsequent actions should users give permission to do so.
Gübelin Gem Lab Managing Director Daniel Nyfeler also noted that the lab has no privileged insight into specific data of the blockchain; the lab itself can only see the information entered into the blockchain relating to the stones it is entrusted with testing.
WATCH: Gübelin Explains How the Blockchain Works
The Swiss gem lab launched its Provenance Proof Blockchain during AGTA GemFair, officially opening its use to the trade.
Now, any professional stakeholder along the supply chain can register and, after a standard “Know your Customer” check, start using it.
It’s been a little more than a year since Gübelin announced it was developing the program to trace colored gemstones from mine to market, which it calls the first of its kind in the world.
The project comes as part of the lab’s Provenance Proof initiative, a long-term program designed to develop and provide technologies to the gemstone industry to make it more transparent. It includes the lab’s “Emerald Paternity Test.”
Gübelin’s blockchain aims to track a stone as early in the supply chain as possible to build a record of each rough gemstone’s journey. The owner or custodian of the stone is then able to contribute certain information to the log book through to, and including, the end consumer.
Fura Gems was the mining pilot partner, offering goods at its Coscuez Colombian emerald mine as test subjects for the blockchain technology.
The Gübelin family shouldered the cost of developing the technology, which means it is free to use for anyone in the trade.
“The industry has been changing and consumers are now interested in transparency, and this was my main motivation … to support blockchain and this whole initiative because I think we need to change now,” Raphael Gübelin, president of the House of Gübelin, said in Tucson.
To help keep it inclusive, every process, including the registration and upload of the data, can be done on a smartphone.
Visibility is restricted to the user in custody of the gemstone, and only is allowed upstream—meaning the current users can see who had the gemstone before them but do not see where it goes once it leaves their possession—though Everledger CEO Leanne Kemp told National Jeweler during an interview after the launch event that it could be reversed to allow someone at the beginning of the chain to see subsequent actions should users give permission to do so.
Gübelin Gem Lab Managing Director Daniel Nyfeler also noted that the lab has no privileged insight into specific data of the blockchain; the lab itself can only see the information entered into the blockchain relating to the stones it is entrusted with testing.
WATCH: Gübelin Explains How the Blockchain Works
During the Tucson launch event, Nyfeler outlined some of the benefits the lab sees to the transparency that comes from blockchain. In addition to the social responsibility aspect of it, it could help reduce the risks that stops many banks and other institutions from financing the trade.
He said it also makes economic sense to embrace it; blockchain could offer greater visibility for companies along the supply chain and offer retailers the full information to build the story behind a stone.
Nyfeler, along with Kemp, Raphael Gübelin, Fura Gems Vice President Marketing and Sales Rupak Sen, and Pat Syvrud, minerals, materials and society program development manager at the University of Delaware, took part in a panel after presentations during the Tucson launch.
During the panel, Nyfeler addressed one of the biggest criticisms of blockchain—it does not have the ability to prevent a user from entering false data that then appears legitimate as it is locked into the blockchain.
“Blockchain is not the silver bullet that’s going to bring 100 percent trueness in the industry immediately, but … it’s going to be much easier to determine over time and see patterns, and you’re going to see where such wrong information might come from, which so far is not the case and that’s the point where we were starting from,” he said.
When an attendee also asked whether the small-scale miners would care about becoming a part of this, Nyfeler said it was up to the industry to encourage them to do so.
Looking to the future, he told National Jeweler that Provenance Proof, like De Beers’ Tracr, is a long-term venture that eventually will be spun off as its own company.
A supervisory board will be entrusted with making strategic decisions, such as data security and compliance issues, and will consist mostly of individuals independent of the gemstone industry “in order to minimize the risk of conflicting interests.”
And since certain segments of stakeholders will have specific needs related to the use of the blockchain, such as a large-scale miner or wholesaler wanting interfaces to allow for the automated upload or exchange of the company’s inventory system, Provenance Proof—not Gübelin Gem Lab—will oversee designing, building and implementing solutions to address these needs.
He said it also makes economic sense to embrace it; blockchain could offer greater visibility for companies along the supply chain and offer retailers the full information to build the story behind a stone.
Nyfeler, along with Kemp, Raphael Gübelin, Fura Gems Vice President Marketing and Sales Rupak Sen, and Pat Syvrud, minerals, materials and society program development manager at the University of Delaware, took part in a panel after presentations during the Tucson launch.
During the panel, Nyfeler addressed one of the biggest criticisms of blockchain—it does not have the ability to prevent a user from entering false data that then appears legitimate as it is locked into the blockchain.
“Blockchain is not the silver bullet that’s going to bring 100 percent trueness in the industry immediately, but … it’s going to be much easier to determine over time and see patterns, and you’re going to see where such wrong information might come from, which so far is not the case and that’s the point where we were starting from,” he said.
When an attendee also asked whether the small-scale miners would care about becoming a part of this, Nyfeler said it was up to the industry to encourage them to do so.
Looking to the future, he told National Jeweler that Provenance Proof, like De Beers’ Tracr, is a long-term venture that eventually will be spun off as its own company.
A supervisory board will be entrusted with making strategic decisions, such as data security and compliance issues, and will consist mostly of individuals independent of the gemstone industry “in order to minimize the risk of conflicting interests.”
And since certain segments of stakeholders will have specific needs related to the use of the blockchain, such as a large-scale miner or wholesaler wanting interfaces to allow for the automated upload or exchange of the company’s inventory system, Provenance Proof—not Gübelin Gem Lab—will oversee designing, building and implementing solutions to address these needs.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
