Paths to Provenance with Daniel Nyfeler of Gübelin Gem Lab

May 6, 2020

Despite recent efforts by the jewelry industry to address transparency and tracing issues across the global supply chain, the conditions under which colored gemstones are sourced remain highly opaque and lack reliable independent verification. 

In this episode, Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin Gem Lab, discusses his company’s Provenance Proof initiative, aimed at developing new technologies to increase traceability and verify the origin and authenticity of colored gemstones. Nyfeler explains the first two Provenance Proof offerings: a blockchain for colored gemstones and the Emerald Paternity Test, a DNA-based technology to prove the provenance of emeralds back to the exact mine. He also shares how these technologies have been received by various industry segments, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by increased transparency.

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Podcast Highlights

• 2:18 - Impact consumers have had in the push for transparency
• 4:05 - U.S. and international government scrutiny 
• 5:30 - Provenance Proof Blockchain overview, features
• 8:10 - The basics of blockchain access and security
• 9:23 - Who can use the Provenance Proof Blockchain, costs, and availability
• 10:55 - Gemstones allowed, limitations
• 11:36 - Additional tracking features for gemstones
• 12:20 - Necessity of connecting industry blockchains together
• 14:38 - Provenance Proof Emerald Paternity Test overview
• 17:00 - Nano-particle technology and application processes
• 19:24 - Addressing security and anti-fraud measures
• 20:30 - How the DNA-based particles are applied at the mine
• 22:45 - Using the Emerald Paternity Test technology on other stones
• 23:37 - Industry feedback from retailers and consumers
• 25:10 - Feedback from mid-stream stone dealers and wholesalers
• 27:05 - Benefits of increased tracing to retailers and consumers

Show Notes

Related MJSA Journal Articles and Resources:

• MJSA Podcast Episode 5: Building Chains of Trust - CRJC Founder Susan Wheeler discusses gemstone traceability and supply chain collaboration efforts.
• Telling a Different Story - Profiles of two of the industry leaders in responsible sourcing. By Shawna Kulpa 
• Chain of Trust - The jewelry industry begins embracing blockchain technology. By Terri Wallo Strauss
• Happy Endings - By embracing responsible sourcing, jewelers help save the planet and its people, and get a good story to tell their customers. By Terri Wallo Strauss
  
• The Sustainable Story - How to talk about your responsible efforts. By John Shanahan
• Doing Good: Sourcing Jewelry Metals and Gems Responsibly (Video) - Highlights from the panel discussion, held at MJSA Expo on March 13, 2017, reviewing the industry’s efforts to creation sourcing standards.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gübelin Gem Lab - Independent subsidiary of the Gübelin Group, founder of the Provenance Proof initiative
• Provenance Proof - Gübelin Gem Lab initiative to create new gemstones tracing and tracking technology. 
• The Emerald Paternity Test - DNA-based nanoparticle technology to prove the provenance of emeralds back to the exact mine.
• Everledger - Technology provider for blockchain technology.
• Gemfields - Global supplier of responsibly sourced emeralds and rubies. 
• Tracr - DeBeers group diamond-tracing blockchain.
• TrustChain - Richline Group’s blockchain initiative to track diamonds, precious metals and jewelry.