The 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council slated in May, will give a special honour to Nicky Oppenheimer, the Chairman of the De Beers Group. Mr. Oppenheimer is being honoured for his considerable contribution to the industry's effort in eradicating the trade in conflict diamonds.

"It is difficult to imagine where we would be today were it not for the role played by Nicky Oppenheimer and De Beers right from the very birth of our organization," said Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council. "Not only was he among the first industry leaders who understood and appreciated the implications of the conflict diamond trade, and consequently sounded the rallying cry, but over the years he has been one of our most important and enthusiastic supporters, and has participated in numerous WDC meetings. He was a staunch advocate of the Kimberley Process from the beginning."

"As beneficiaries of what the World Diamond Council has managed to achieve, and as a key participant in the Kimberley Process, our industry is indebted to the leadership and support provided by Nicky and De Beers. It will be a privilege to be able to express that to him in person in Vicenza," Mr. Izhakoff added.

Mr. Oppenheimer will be honored at the Gala Dinner of the World Diamond Council on May 14, 2012, during its 8th Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy.