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Bulgari
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Colored Gemstones
Supply Chain

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).
Bulgari is putting forth a rigorous model of corporate social responsibility, with special attention paid to colored gemstones.

Craftsman looking at an emerald through a lens with sketch of a necklace and emeralds in the background.
COLORED GEMSTONES SUPPLY CHAIN
Bulgari is putting forth a rigorous model of corporate social responsibility, with special attention paid to colored gemstones.
Craftsman placing a coloured gem with a tweezer on the sketch of a Bulgari necklace with flowers, close up.
Bulgari heritage flower brooch with cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires, and diamonds, close up.

CODE OF PRACTICES

Bulgari 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, Bulgari joined the Colored Gemstones Working Group (CGWG), whose objectives and operative tools reflect Bulgari’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.

A Bulgari cushion-cut ruby held by tweezers, dark background, close up.

FIRSTHAND SUPPLIERS

All colored gemstones used by Bulgari are first-hand purchased through established international markets and networks of traders. Bulgari specifically imposes on each supplier and trader to buy gems respecting principles stated in its Supplier Code of Conduct.

Multiple Bulgari Heritage brooches and earrings with cabochon cut coloured gemstones, creative shot.

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH WITH SUPPLIERS

All colored gemstones used by Bulgari are purchased firsthand through established international markets and networks of traders. Bulgari specifically requires each supplier and trader to buy gems respecting principles stated in its Supplier Code of Conduct.