At the 1998 Santa Fe Symposium®, Dr. Corti reviewed quality systems and industry standards and took a look at what was still needed if the jewelry industry was to advance its quality systems going into the new millennium. Nearly 10 years later, he again reviews how much progress has been made and highlights where the industry still needs to improve to attain higher standards. Some progress has been made in developing industry standards; examples are white gold color guidelines and solder grade designations. But others, such as the quantitative specification of alloy color and product testing standards in the context of "fitness for purpose" still remain. In addition, new jewelry materials such as palladium create new requirements that need addressing.

Author: Dr. Christopher W. Corti