The Association

Assogemme, or the Associazione Italiana fra le Aziende delle Pietre Preziose ed Affini - which translates as the Italian Association of Gem and Precious Stone Companies - was founded in July 2007. The aim of the association is to be the mouthpiece of Italian companies that process and distribute precious stones and wish to deal with and hopefully help solve the main problems facing the sector, in an independent and resolute manner.

1. Gemstones and ethics
This issue concerns so-called "conflict-free" and "child labour-free" stones. To date, the media and public opinion in general have considered this issue only with respect to diamonds. However, awareness is gradually growing that it also involves coloured stones. In addition to this, we should also consider the problem of safeguarding public health by checking the residual radioactivity of irradiated stones.


2. Code of conduct of operators in the chain
This concerns the trustworthiness and reliability of customers and operators in the chain, which must be guaranteed by the truthfulness of the declarations made by both producers and dealers.


3. Made in Italy
Despite the fact that precious and semi-precious stones are imported from overseas, they are also interested by issues regarding the safeguarding and affirmation of Made in Italy products, as Italian gemstone designers are recognised throughout the world as being particularly skilled in selecting stones, matching colours and expertly cutting them. Globalization of the market and the growing success of companies from countries where rules are not as transparent, demands the recognition of companies that produce in Italy and adopt Italian creativity.

In concrete terms, Assogemme is working in order to:
- Draft a “Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics”.
- Introduce the possibility to certify “Made in Italy” quality, at least with regards to stone cutting.
- Promote the introduction of regulations that impose conduct that is coherent with the above mentioned objectives, on both a national and European level.


4. Commercial activities
These activities are aimed at conquering new markets and sectors (e.g. clothing, furnishing, etc.) and re-conquering those lost in the past (e.g. market studies and research, opening of factory stores and agencies in international distribution centres, overseas missions, etc.). “Gem World”, which was held in Rimini from 7th to 9th June 2008 at Rimini Fiera, the third largest trade and exhibition centre in Italy, was part of these initiatives. Assogemme acted as the mouthpiece for Italian precious stone designers and producers who complained that, despite the existence of important events dedicated to jewellery, there was no exhibition in Italy exclusively dedicated to precious stones used for jewellery. This absence cannot be justified if we consider that Italy plays a leading role in the market of stones for jewellery on a world level. For this reason, Assogemme sponsored “Gem World” along with Rimini Fiera S.p.A., the third largest exhibition centre in Italy, which believed in this initiative and was enthusiastic in its support for the event.

» For more information click here or visit the Gem World website.