The fifth Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) conference is planned to deliver a refreshing outlook on diamonds being perceived as valuable - both as a natural element and its social appeal. The conference entitled “The Diamond, symbol of value” will be held in Antwerp on November 17 and 18. “The passion that the diamond elicits among jewellery consumers is very much associated with the various elements of value,” explained Freddy J. Hanard, the CEO of the AWDC, the conference organiser.

The 2008 Antwerp Diamond Conference will specifically examine the element of value in the diamond brand. It will outline the varied usages of the description ‘valuable’, from the broadest possible perspective of being a symbol of love and commitment, or as an item that requires the business to be operated according to strict ethical values and as an item of significant monetary value. “What makes them particularly interesting is that almost none of them are constant. They are persistently changing, because of market conditions, evolving consumer trends and tastes, and conditions in the producing and consuming countries. To create brand equity for the diamond and then defend that brand, it is imperative that we understand the process, ” added Hanard. The industry gathering at the conference may generate new thoughts to leverage the industry in being a valuable contributor to society and economy, the world over.