# Diamond-Centric Blockchain Networks IBM's 'TrustChain' Provides Transparency to Consumers By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-04-27 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trustchain References: [thecurrentdaily](https://thecurrentdaily.com/2018/04/27/ibm-announces-blockchain-network-to-track-and-authenticate-diamonds/) & [newsroom.ibm](http://newsroom.ibm.com/announcements?item=122899) While conscious diamond-buyers have had to rely on a certificate of authenticity in the past to ensure the quality and ethical standards of the gemstone, [IBM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-1) is looking to provide greater transparency to consumers with TrustChain. The TrustChain [blockchain network](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockchain-visibility-engine) will be able to [track and authenticate diamonds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diamondproof), as well as other precious metals, through every step of the supply chain. The technology will help consumers to determine how a particular gem or metal was mined, as well as whether or not it was ethically sourced from a particular region. Brands that participate with TrustChain will be able to easily call up the full history of an engagement ring on a customer-facing web database to provide an unparalleled level of transparency. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/jewelry) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Blockchain Tracking:** Using blockchain technology to track and authenticate diamonds and precious metals, providing transparency to consumers. - **Ethical Sourcing:** Increasing demand for ethically sourced gemstones and metals, creating opportunities for brands to showcase their responsible supply chain practices. - **Consumer Transparency:** Meeting consumer demand for greater transparency in the jewelry industry by enabling customers to access the full history of a product. ### Where This Applies - **Jewelry:** Implementing blockchain technology in the jewelry industry to ensure transparency and authenticate products, catering to conscious consumer preferences. - **Supply Chain:** Offering blockchain solutions for supply chain management, specifically for tracking and verifying the authenticity and ethical sourcing of diamonds and precious metals. - **E-commerce:** Integrating blockchain tracking technology into e-commerce platforms, allowing consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on certified and transparent product histories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Conflict-Free Fashion House Diamonds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lv-diamonds-collection.md) - [Identity-Verifying Luxury Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolex-identity-chip.md) - [Ultra-Luxurious Collaborative Jewellery Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-jewellery.md) - [Premium Lab-Grown Diamond Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labgrown-diamond-rings.md) - [Diamond Verification Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diamondproof.md) - [Ethical Lab-Grown Diamond Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caratbee.md) - [Natural Diamond Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worth-the-wait.md) - [Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labgrown-diamond-jewelry.md) - [Blockchain-Traceable Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trace.md)