The most recent addition to the Provenance Proof label is a blockchain project launched in partnership with Everledger, a leading global emerging technology Enterprise.
Amidst the mounting push from consumers towards more transparency the Gübelin Gem Lab has successfully launched its Provenance Proof initiative, developing new technologies to increase transparency and traceability within the gemstone industry.
Today's buyers have greater expectations when it comes to information about a gem's history. From the sourcing of raw materials, to the principles and values of the mines and companies behind the product, the value-chain as a whole has come under scrutiny. And yet, the conditions under which coloured gemstones are sourced are still highly opaque and lack independent verification.
With this in mind the Gübelin Gem Lab has established its Provenance Proof initiative. It encompasses the development of an array of technologies with the aim of bringing more transparency to every step in the gemstone industry's value chain.
The Provenance Proof label was launched in parallel with the launch of the Emerald Paternity Test.
Gem Labs can determine a gemstone's country of origin by identifying geological properties typical of a specific region. However, it cannot be broken down to specific mines in a given geological region. This makes it hard for the jewellery industry to ensure the specific origin of a gemstone. The industry must rely on self-declaration by mining companies.
The Emerald Paternity Test uses DNA-based, nano-sized particles encoded with the mine's information to tackles the issue of a stone's origin. Applied within the gemstone at the source, it allows the identifying of a stone's birthplace.
Blockchain technology is built to ensure the integrity of the data that is entered. The encrypted and decentralized nature of the blockchain minimizes the risk of an unauthorised change of blockchain data, and will trigger a halt of the respective chain in the event of an attempt to tamper data. However, blockchain technology can control the integrity of the data, but not its veracity and authenticity. Blockchain technology alone cannot make sure that the stone described in the blockchain as being mined responsibly is indeed mined responsibly. It cannot guarantee that the Colombian emerald described in the ledger is indeed from Colombia, or even that it is a true emerald. Equally, a stone could get swapped along its way from the mine to the end consumer, a process that would get completely unnoticed by the digital logbook that travels alongside the stone. Hence, we have to manage our expectation regarding the capability of blockchain technology to ensure the integrity of the stone. Nevertheless, the blockchain adds confidence to your purchase. The transparency granted to the supply chain will make it more difficult for fraudsters in the long run, as they leave a pattern that can be traced, and the cheater can be identified. A more immediate and robust way to get confidence in the integrity and authenticity of a stone is to combine the digital tracking of the blockchain with a physical tracer. Physical tracers containing provenance-specific information, are inserted into or attached to a rough crystal at the source, and remain with the stone all along the value chain and throughout their lifetime. The Emerald Paternity Test (see website) is one example of such a physical tracer, and how it perfectly complements the digital track of the blockchain, boosting its resistance against an undisclosed alteration or swap of stones.
The Provenance Proof Blockchain tracks gemstones throughout their lifespan until they reach the end consumer...
The Provenance Proof Blockchain tracks gemstones throughout their lifespan until they reach the end consumer...
The Provenance Proof Blockchain tracks gemstones throughout their lifespan until they reach the end consumer...
The Provenance Proof Blockchain tracks gemstones throughout their lifespan until they reach the end consumer...
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