National News
CIBJO and AGTA Demand Full Disclosure on Irradiated Rubies and Sapphires
Trade Bodies Urge Transparency as Growing Concerns Over Color Stability and Treatment of Gemstones Persist
Rubies and sapphires are increasingly being treated with irradiation, a process that temporarily enhances their color, sparking concerns among professional trade organizations about the long-term stability of these gemstones. In a joint statement, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) have reiterated their call for full transparency and disclosure regarding gemstone treatments, particularly for stones sourced from Sri Lanka.
Since 1981, AGTA has advocated for a coding system to identify treated gemstones, and in 2010, CIBJO, AGTA, and ICA reached a global consensus on the disclosure of colored gemstone treatments. Despite these efforts, concerns remain, especially after the release of the 2022 statement, “Irradiation of Rubies: a Cautionary Note.” The issue of irradiated rubies and sapphires, particularly from Sri Lanka, continues to be a source of industry unease due to the temporary nature of their enhanced appearance.
AGTA has raised alarms in the U.S., where many dealers have stopped purchasing yellow, peach, and padparadscha sapphires, along with rubies from Sri Lanka, due to fears about their color stability over time. In response, the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) has pledged to strengthen test reporting and encourage better disclosure practices.
CIBJO, AGTA, and ICA are urging authorities in Sri Lanka and other gemstone-producing regions to address these concerns urgently. “If the current situation persists, it will inevitably harm the industry and undermine consumer confidence in colored gemstones,” they warned.
National News
GJEPC Urges Nation to Take Blood Donation Pledge on Jeweller’s Day to Support Life-Saving Cause
National, 16 September 2025: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is calling upon every citizen to take a Blood Donation Pledge on Jeweller’s Day and actively participate in blood donation drives that will follow, in honour of the skilled craftsmen who are the backbone of India’s gem and jewellery industry.
This initiative reflects the industry’s deep commitment to social responsibility and the spirit of giving. By taking the pledge, participants commit to donating blood — a simple yet powerful act that can save countless lives and support India’s healthcare system, where blood shortages are an ongoing challenge.
Once the pledge is taken on 17th September, a nationwide blood donation drive will be organised across key hubs such as Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and more, in collaboration with leading hospitals and blood banks. Through this effort, GJEPC aims to mobilise thousands of donors from the trade and the public, making it one of the most impactful initiatives in the industry’s history.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, appealing to jewellers and karigars, said:
“17th September also marks the Vishwakarma Jayanti, and commemorates the 75th birthday of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. On this significant day, I appeal to all the citizens and jewellery community across the country to come forward, take the pledge, and donate blood for this noble cause. Together, let us honour our tradition of craftsmanship with an act of compassion that has the power to save countless lives.”
To participate, individuals must first register by clicking on the pledge link. Once registered, they can formally take the pledge anytime between 7:00 AM on 17th September and 7:00 AM on 18th September 2025 by entering their mobile number on the same link. This ensures every participant’s commitment is recorded and counted towards the nationwide movement. Individuals can also register and take the pledge on 17th September on the same link.
The Council’s aim is to unite thousands of people from the trade and the public in this noble cause, creating one of the largest collective pledges and blood donation initiatives ever. This symbolic yet impactful action will strengthen the legacy of Jeweller’s Day as not only a celebration of artisanship but also of compassion and humanity.
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