Message from the CEO - August2025

As summer begins to wane, it’s a good time to reflect on what 2025 has brought us so far. It has been a year marked by both positive growth for the ICA and considerable challenges for our industry.

Let me first echo the sentiments of our President in recognizing the tremendous success and value of our recent Congress in Brasília, Brazil. With over 190 ICA members and industry colleagues from 26 countries in attendance, the event showcased the strength and unity of our global community. The program featured outstanding speakers, warm hospitality, and a wealth of knowledge. If you were unable to attend, I strongly encourage you to visit our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@icainternationalcoloredgem3042, where you can view the full Congress agenda and presentations from over 40 expert speakers. These sessions cover a wide range of topics including gemstone production, mining, marketing, and sustainability—highlighting the industry’s commitment to supporting the communities that supply our precious materials.

The Congress also underscored the importance of viewing the colored gemstone industry not as isolated national efforts, but as a truly global community. While each country presented unique opportunities and challenges, it became clear that many of these issues transcend borders. This shared experience reinforces the value of ICA membership—offering not just access to global markets, but also the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with like-minded professionals across the world.

ICA membership represents a commitment to ethical practices, professionalism, and the betterment of the communities that are foundational to our trade. Your membership carries weight—not only through the credibility of the ICA name, but through the shared values of our members. In a world where knowledge, insight, and integrity drive success, your participation ensures that your business remains informed, connected, and resilient.

Through InColor magazine and our monthly newsletters, we share critical insights from our 654 members across more than 47 countries, covering everything from beneficiation and marketing to evolving trade dynamics. These updates help build trust and transparency in a rapidly shifting global landscape.  If you would like to join our ICA community as a member please visit:  https://www.gemstone.org/member-registration?memberTypeId=687 .  Membership is open to all qualified jewelry professionals.

The Growing Challenge of Tariffs

One of the most pressing concerns voiced during the Congress was the growing impact of tariffs. What began as a tool for balancing trade has now become a means of influencing policy—creating instability that is especially damaging for global industries like ours.

There is no greater threat to business confidence than uncertainty, and the unpredictable rise and fall of tariffs is already affecting how we trade, price, and plan. The U.S., one of the largest markets for colored gemstones, is experiencing cost increases that will likely be passed on to consumers—resulting in depressed sales, potential job losses, and pressure on retailers and wholesalers alike.

This is particularly troubling for our industry, which relies heavily on artisanal mining communities—small-scale operations in countries that have no control over global trade imbalances. These communities are often the primary source of education, healthcare, and livelihoods for their regions. The imposition of broad tariffs on their goods could have devastating long-term effects—not only economically, but socially.

Moreover, inconsistent tariffs across countries are artificially altering competitiveness. As duties fluctuate between Africa, India, and various Asian nations, some producers will find themselves priced out of the market purely due to policy decisions—not product quality or market demand.

Advocacy and the Path Forward

We commend the continued advocacy of organizations such as Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, who are working diligently in Washington, D.C., on behalf of our industry. But advocacy must extend beyond the U.S.—each of our member countries must engage their national trade representatives and press for equitable, realistic, and sustainable trade policies.

Ideally, we should advocate for the elimination of tariffs on raw materials not produced domestically in the United States. Colored gemstones are not mined in any meaningful quantity in the U.S., and likely never will be. As such, the U.S. industry is—and always will be—reliant on international suppliers. Artificial trade barriers only hurt the people and communities we rely on, without improving the trade balance in any measurable way.

While the road ahead may not lead to a perfect solution, inaction is not an option. Tariffs can be absorbed. Uncertainty cannot. We must work together—within ICA, within our countries, and with our trade partners—to bring clarity and cooperation back to the center of our global trade relationships.