35th World Diamond Congress concludes with success

The 35th World Diamond Congress concluded in Mumbai, successfully, for the level of participation, for India to host it for the very first time and as a further insight towards the pertinent issue of conflict diamonds.

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association expressed joint appreciation of the efforts by the Chair of the Kimberley Process to consult all industry stakeholders on the new definition for conflict diamonds and thus assure that any decisions made are reached under complete, industry-wide consensus.

Following the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol which was developed by Jewelers of America (JA), the Jewelers Vigilance Council (JVC) and the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), both IDMA and the WFDB voiced their members' grave concerns how this initiative would affect the flow of goods throughout the legitimate diamond supply pipeline.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, newely elected IDMA president Maxim Shkadov and newly elected WFDB president Ernie Blom said the two organizations would need to enter into an immediate and intense dialogue with their American colleagues to try and mitigate the perceived difficulties and barriers this initiative would be presenting to the international gem and jewelry business community.

Both organizations lauded the hosts, BDB and GJEPC, for their achievements in organizing the congress, the accompanying mini conference and the social events. In addition to a good turnout of their members, IDMA and WFDB were very pleased with the high level of participation of ministers from South Africa and of senior members of the diplomatic corps in India.