London, 17 September, 2008: The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) today announced that four world class diamantaires have joined the new DTC Accredited Business Program.

To achieve accredited status the four companies Livingstones, Premier Diamond Cutting Ltd., Richold SA and Shree Ramkrishna Export have met the same stringent Best Practice Principles (BPP) requirements as DTC Sightholders.

These businesses are fully compliant with the De Beers' Diamond Best Practice Principles. This means that they have demonstrated a commitment to adhere to business, social and environmental best practice encapsulated in the BPPs and agreed to participate in the associated Assurance Program, which incorporates independent, third party verification of their compliance.

Mahiar Borhanjoo, new Sales & Client Services Director of the DTC, said, “The four companies joining our Accredited Business Program are all world class diamantaires and we are proud to publicly endorse them as outstanding businesses that have committed to high standards of ethical and professional behaviour”.

“When the DTC completed the Sightholders assessment process in 2008, we made it clear that there were a number of very strong applicants that did not qualify for supply because we did not have enough forecast availability. These four companies have been DTC customers of good standing over many years and we are pleased to be able to maintain and build upon our relationship with them.”

Members of the Accredited Business Program are able to enjoy wide ranging support from DTC and can promote their participation in the program status in their diamond business activities.