The World Jewellery Confederation Pays Tribute to Vice President Roland Naftule, 1937-2023

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) honors the memory and legacy of its Vice President, Roland Naftule, who passed away peacefully at age 85 on April 1, 2023, in San Diego, California, surrounded by his loving family.

There are few if any individuals in the jewelry and gemstone world who devoted themselves more selflessly to the benefit and service of the industry as did Roland. For more than two decades, as President of CIBJO’s Sector A, he oversaw the preparation, updating and maintenance of the association’s Blue Book series – the world’s most widely followed set of standards and terminology, which provide a common language and frames of reference for the industry, acting as a foundational bastion for consumer confidence. As such, his work, dedication and wisdom will continue to serve industry professionals and their clients for many decades to come.

Roland was born in Switzerland in 1937, into a family that was cutting and polishing gemstones for high-end watch makers in Geneva. His grandfather, Leon Naftule, a jeweler, established a lapidary in 1926 after becoming fascinated with colored gemstones. He was joined by his three sons, and the family business, Naftule Fils, became a mainstay of the Swiss industry.

In 1952, the eldest of Leon’s sons, Jean, expanded the business to the United States, opening NAFCO Gems in New York. He was joined by his 19-year-old son, Roland, who began his career selling gemstones, traveling around the city’s boroughs and nearby towns. Ten years later, the family expanded into rough production, becoming involved in mining ventures in Tanzania, producing an array of different gems.