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Colored Gemstones
When talking about gemstones, the supply chain is amongst the most complex in the jewelry world. Colored gemstones are mined in over 60 countries, and the industry contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Although it is very difficult to determine the number of active colored-gemstone mines, it is estimated that there are 200–300 in total, with about 80% of the material extracted in a small-scale, artisanal way (Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, ASM).
Bvlgari is putting forth a rigorous model of corporate social responsibility, with special attention paid to colored gemstones.
Legacy of Quality in Gemstone Selection and Treatments
Bvlgari uses only natural gemstones in its jewelry collections and its commitment to exquisite gemstones is fundamental. For technical and quality reasons, Bvlgari includes functional synthetic stones in the components of its watch movements.
The art of enhancing gemstones, a practice as old as jewelry itself, dates back to ancient times, as noted by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historiae, underscoring a historical understanding that certain treatments can optimize a gem's natural splendor. In this vein, our stringent criteria ensure that only the finest gems become part of a Bvlgari masterpiece.
Rubies & Sapphires
For stones exceeding 3 carats, no treatment of any kind is accepted. These exceptional gems are chosen for their intrinsic, natural perfection, ensuring their rarity and pristine beauty remain untouched. Moreover, each of these gemstones is accompanied by a report from a recognized international External Laboratory, providing detailed insights and certification.
For stones below 3 carats, the stable heat treatment is accepted. This traditional and carefully controlled enhancement, widely recognized within the fine jewelry market, serves to optimize the stone's natural color and clarity without altering its fundamental identity.
Emeralds
For all carat weights, only oil enhancement is accepted. This traditional, reversible treatment improves clarity while preserving the natural quality of the gemstone. For emeralds weighing 3 carats and above, an international External Laboratory report is also available.
Other gemstones
For colored gemstones, it is a common and widely accepted practice for stones such as Tanzanites, Tourmalines, Topaz, Quartz, and Turquoise to undergo stable treatments aimed at enhancing their beauty and natural characteristics.
Every gem undergoes rigorous analysis by our expert gemologists, guaranteeing authenticity, beauty, and adherence to Bvlgari's uncompromising quality standards. Any treatments applied to our gemstones are always safe for your health.
COLORED GEMSTONES SUPPLY CHAIN
Bvlgari is putting forth a rigorous model of corporate social responsibility, with special attention paid to colored gemstones.
CODE OF PRACTICES
Bvlgari was amongst the first to push for the inclusion of colored gemstones in the scope of the new Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Code of Practices 2019 Certification. The updated Code of Practices standard was released in 2019, and for the first time, it included rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Taking a phased approach, the organization focused on the three types of precious stones to introduce change slowly but substantially. That kind of shift cannot happen overnight, as suppliers working within the value chain require time to start implementing the new standards and rules. To this end, as part of the LVMH Group, Bvlgari joined the Colored Gemstones Working Group (CGWG), whose objectives and operative tools reflect Bvlgari’s effort to increase responsibility and transparency in such a fragmented supply chain. In April 2021, the CGWG announced the launch of the Gemstones and Jewelry Community Platform, a joint initiative inspired by strong sustainability commitments.
FIRSTHAND SUPPLIERS
All colored gemstones used by Bvlgari are first-hand purchased through established international markets and networks of traders. Bvlgari specifically imposes on each supplier and trader to buy gems respecting principles stated in its Supplier Code of Conduct.
A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH WITH SUPPLIERS
All colored gemstones used by Bvlgari are purchased firsthand through established international markets and networks of traders. Bvlgari specifically requires each supplier and trader to buy gems respecting principles stated in its Supplier Code of Conduct.