Uniting the gemstones and jewellery industry through shared commitments that catalyse positive change, for people and planet.
The Coloured Gemstone Working Group (CGWG) unites luxury brands and mining companies with a common interest in catalysing positive change in the responsible sourcing of coloured gemstones.
The CGWG aims to help businesses in the gemstones and jewellery supply chains be more sustainable, and make responsible sourcing part of the way they work.
The CGWG’s vision is to “provide businesses in the coloured gemstone industry, regardless of size and at every phase of the supply chain from mining to retail, with the knowledge, guidance, tools, operating standards, and a community of expert practitioners to help them embed sustainable practices in their sector; measure and monitor their performance against widely acceptable responsible business practices; and demonstrate their commitment to a transparent and ethical industry.”
The CGWG vision statement, and its reason for being, is built on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by coloured gemstones supply chain entities of different size, type, and along different stages of the value chain, which too often: (a) do not have access to a harmonised understanding of what it means to be a responsible business or supplier, (b) to not have the resources or tools to integrate and formalise good sustainability practices, and (c) do not know how to demonstrate, or gain recognition for, being a responsible business or supplier, in a way that meets the peculiarities of their business, the expectations of their stakeholders (including clients and end consumers), and facilitates market access and the continuous improvement of the industry. Those issues are relevant not only for the coloured gemstone industry, but also for the entities involved in the jewellery industry more generally.
The Mission of the CGWG
By uniting a broad group of companies active in the coloured gemstones supply chains, the CGWG mission is to advance transparancy, sustainability and responsible business conduct in the coloured gemstones and jewellery value chains.
As a result of collective action, the CGWG members will be able to enhance ESG risk management practices and create more positive impact across the value chain [in particular in source countries], support corporate compliance and reputation, and realize cost efficiencies.
The CGWG is action-oriented and impact-focused. The CGWG will therefore seek to establish partnerships and coordinate with other initiatives that may support its mission of advancing sustainability and responsible business practices in the coloured gemstones and jewellery industry.
Disclaimer: The CGWG members’ activities are undertaken with an understanding of the importance of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to laws and regulations relating to antitrust and competition. The CGWG members undertake at all times to act in accordance with, and strictly adhere to, the letter and the spirit of all applicable national and international antitrust and competition laws and regulations (Antitrust Laws).