Dear Sirs,
Our industry is facing a serious crisis with regards to the non-disclosure of synthetic diamonds by certain unscrupulous persons in our trade.
It is a crisis that if it is not halted could lead to loss of confidence in our product bringing with it serious consequences for our industry.
Given the above we all have a collective role and duty to play in protecting our industry.
To this end the World Federation of Diamond Bourses has instructed its Presidents of the Bourses around the world what to do, compiled a statement that is to be incorporated on every invoice/memo and adopted a zero tolerance stance.
We, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, in conjunction with your laboratory need to collaborate in combating this scourge, each party cannot act alone if we wish to eradicate the problem.
I therefore ask you to please inform us when stones are submitted for the certification without disclosure.
The time has come for us to act and stand together to make sure that consumer confidence and our businesses will be protected at all costs.
Yours Sincerely
ERNIE BLOM
WFDB
A spectacular Deep Orange fancy vivid pear shape diamond found in South Africa, weighing 14.82 carats. The largest known Orange diamond was auctioned for a record price of $35.54m in Geneva.
It is a world record price per carat for any coloured diamond, said Christie’s auction house. The purchaser left the room to a round of applause. Christie’s did not reveal his identity.
Pure orange diamonds, also known as "fire diamonds", are extremely uncommon and few have been auctioned, with the largest never more than 6 carats.
The 59.60 carat oval shape pink diamond has sold for $83 million, setting a record for any gemstone sold at auction.
Steinmetz Diamonds, Owned by Beny Steinmetz, Cut and polished the exceptional diamond, which was mined by De Beers in South Africa.
After two years marking and polishing the diamond was completed and shown to the public for the first time in Monaco in 2003.
The 59.60 diamond is fancy vivid pink, the best possible colour and purity grade for diamonds stands alone in the world.
The Diamond sold tonight in Geneva, by New York-based Sotheby’s.
New York, November 12, 2013
Dear Colleagues,
Much has been written in the past month concerning synthetic diamonds being represented as natural diamonds. We at the DMIA believe that it is imperative that the industry respond immediately and forcefully.
DMIA issued a formal call to action 18 months ago in May of 2012 (reprinted below in its entirety) and do so again now. In our view, one of the major problems in attacking this issue is the lack of cohesion from stakeholders all of whom are rightfully very concerned.
As an industry leader DMIA is indeed making progress as we are in constant contact with local as well as Federal law enforcement agencies, the United States Department of State, and our domestic industry leaders; among them GIA, JA, AGS, MJSA, JVC, to mention just a few.
We once again call on the international and domestic leaders from industry, law enforcement, and laboratories to physically gather together as soon as possible and for as long as is necessary to finalize the best approach.
To that end, we reiterate today that we are ready to host a conclave in New York City and will work immediately with our colleagues to make it a reality.
Ronnie VanderLinden, President
Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has noted with concern the growing tendency of undisclosed synthetic diamonds to enter the market.
The Federation has put out an official warning that it will not stand for the passing off of synthetics as natural. The diamond and Jewellery industry needs to understand that they are personally responsible for what they sell, which is why it is of the utmost importance to know your supplier and the legitimacy of their product whether it is ensuring they are Kimberley Process compliant or disclosing synthetics.
The law is clear and the punishment for fraud will be pursued. The WFDB will work with all legal agencies across the globe to assist in the prosecution of those who participate in this type of fraud in the diamond industry.
DCLA is the only laboratory that guarantees all diamonds have been tested for treatments and natural origin. DCLA is the only laboratory working to the International Diamond Council (IDC) rules in Australia.
An Argyle 1.56 ct, fancy red diamond, has sold for over $2 million the highest price per carat for an Argyle produced diamond ever.
Another 2.51 ct fancy deep pink diamond has set a record for the highest price for a Pink diamond. The total tender has sold but the value for the 64 stones ranging in size from 0.20 carats to 3.02 cts was not disclosed by the Argyle mine in Australia.
The largest fancy vivid orange diamond 14.82 carats will be the top lot in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale to be held in Geneva. It is expected to sell for as much as $20 million.
Orange colour is the result of nitrogen in the diamonds atomic structure, present during the diamond’s creation.
The 118 carat D Flawless Diamond was recovered at one of the mines of South Africa in 2011. Its weight was 299 carats before it was polished.
The exceptionally rare diamond was auctioned off by Sotheby’s on Monday for $30.6 million. While the new owner is unknown it is estimated that more than 80 percent of large rare diamonds have been purchased by Asian buyers.
The Pink Star a 59.60-carat, internally flawless, fancy vivid pink, type IIa diamond will be up for sale at Sotheby’s Geneva.
The Pink Star originally a 132.50-carat rough diamond that was recovered by De Beers in South Africa in 1999 was then cut and polished by Steinmetz Diamonds taking two years to finish.
The diamond was first shown by Steinmetz in Monaco in 2003.
With a presale estimate in excess of $60 million the exceptional diamond is expected to sell November 13.
The Pink Star weighs more twice the 24.78-carat Graff Pink diamond, which reached a world auction record at $46.2 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010.
The 257 carat diamond is from Karowe Mine in Botswana.
The AK6 kimberlite, has reported the recovery of 47 diamonds of sizes greater than 50 carats, including 14 that exceeded 100 carats. The Karowe mine continues to outperform with the consistent recovery of large, high value diamonds, the recovery of this magnificent 257 carat diamond, along with the recovery of a significant parcel of larger stones over the past 6 months, strengthens our understanding of the resource at Karowe, said president and CEO William Lamb.
