The CIBJO Coloured Stone Steering Committee which met in Bangkok, in September 2007, have decided to support a gemstone education tool, which can be used by retailers. For the benefit of trade and consumers, the committee intends to increase the knowledge base of gemstones currently circulating in the industry. For this, it will develop counter cards with specific descriptions of coloured gemstone colour, clarity, cut and carat weight, like the ‘4 C’s’ mentioned in the diamond trade. These counter cards will also narrate the coloured gemstone enhancements/treatments, or the lack thereof.

The committee will present a mockup of the counter cards to the CIBJO delegates at the upcoming congress in Dubai. If approved, the committee will work at gaining support from international jewellery trade associations to translate, print and distribute the counter cards to retailers all over the world