Parcelpaper - ‘t Partijbriefke NO.4International Conference organised by the Belgium/Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce, the French Association of Gemmologists, the Federation of Diamond and Precious Stones and the Union of French Jewellers, Goldsmiths, Precious Stones and Pearls. It is with pleasure that we announce an international conference followed by a gala dinner in Paris on June 23rd., 2004. PARIS – ANTWERP 2004
International Conference organised by the Belgium/Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce, the French Association of Gemmologists, the Federation of Diamond and Precious Stones and the Union of French Jewellers, Goldsmiths, Precious Stones and Pearls. It is with pleasure that we announce an international conference followed by a gala dinner in Paris on June 23rd., 2004. The original initiative came from the Belgium/Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce and was soon supported by the Federation of Dealers in Diamonds and Precious Stones. In France we have the support and cooperation of the A.F.G. (French Association of Gemmologists) and the Union of French Jewellers, Goldsmiths, Precious Stones and Pearls. These four have bundled their resources with one aim the passion for diamonds and to illustrate diamonds in all its scientific and commercial facets. The chosen theme for this conference is 'diamond dream and reality'.
Dreams
The dream is the ultimate aim of all those engaged in diamonds; the miner, the sorter, the cleaver, the sawyer, the polisher, the designer, the goldsmith and the setter. The world's most fascinating professions work together in order to bring out the maximum brilliance in this king of gems. On the 23rd., a conference dealing with the scientific and economic aspects of diamonds will be held. The 21st. century has brought new challenges amongst which Internet. Marketing is a new discipline which cannot be ignored. Competition from other luxury goods has overtaken diamond sales and led our clients to other products. Important multinational companies have merged and together with low wage countries form unfair competition for our industry.
This is a big challenge for the French and other European producers and jewellers. The big producer and protector of the 20th.century has changed its strategy. Is vertical integration unfair or will it stimulate our industry? New producers have entered the business. Some mines are exhausted and other new mines have been discovered. While other producing countries have set up their own diamond cutting and jewellery factories, what does this mean for the French and European jewellers? Do International auction houses stimulate our sector or do they compete? Banks play an important role in the diamond and precious stones business and some have specialised in this sector. Their role has not been confined to finance, some have played a role as partner and consultant. Manufacturers and jewellers can seek their advice. Since the 50's synthetic diamonds have appeared first in the form of diamond powders and later in monocrystal and polycrystalline form.
Through technical development of high pressure and heat (HPHT) the Japanese, the Russians and De Beers have succeeded in producing larger crystals. Today synthetic diamonds of gem quality are rare but it can be expected that this will increase. How should we react? Is it possible that the jeweller and/or the gemmologist will have the basic equipment at his disposal to detect this?The authenticity certificate will play an important role. Laboratories will have to invest in new technical and research apparatus. Above all the confidence of the consumer must be safeguarded.
An old issue
This is a relatively new phenomenon for the diamond trade but has been known for over a century in the coloured precious stones business without disrupting it. Prices of rubies and emeralds have never been higher. In this sector the Verneuil, known since the end of the 19th.century has been followed by 'producers' such as Lenox, Chatham, Inamory etc.
They have caused much examination headaches for students of gemmology but have had no effect on the value of the genuine product harmonisation. Since the 70's the diamond trade has been confronted with certificates. To-day, no stones of high value are sold without a certificate. The American standards have been applied. The oldest, the CBJO, has had to make room for the GIA and IDMA. Lately a new form that of the AGS, an important American jewellery association is available. During the conference this and other subjects will be dealt with.
Intercontinental Hotel
Near the Place Vendome is the majestic Intercontinental Hotel where comfort and standing are of the highest quality. The conference will take place in the 'Concorde' room were 400 participants can listen to various international speakers and will be provided with simultaneous translation. Furthermore, an excellent audiovisual infrastructure will be at our disposal. The coffee break and the 'walkin' lunch will be served in the foyer 'Napoléon' which is an ideal meeting place for contacts between the Antwerp and French colleagues.
Gala evening
The gala evening will be opened by HRH Prince Jan of Luxemburg and will be held in the prestigious 'Imperial' and 'Aiglon' rooms. The evening will be under the patronage of HRH Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde as well as prominent members of the political and social-cultural world of Belgium and France. Furthermore, an evocation on the history of the 'diamond'.
The Federation of Diamonds and Precious Stones
This is once more an opportunity to promote the diamond sector. The 'European Precious Stones Conference' is in its 8th presentation and was started in 1983 in the aula of the Antwerp Provincial House. This was accompanied by a magnificent exhibition of diamonds and precious stones. The second in the series was under the patronage of HM King Boudewijn of Belgium.
Speakers who already confirmed : Jean Luc Dehaene Minister of State and Vice President of the EU Convention. Emmanuel Fritsch Vice President of AFG. Prof. Jean Marie Dereppe, UCL. Francis Mer minister of of economy of France. Fientje Moerman minister of economy of Belgium. Serge Ouline SEO of Alroza. Gary Ralfe SEO DTC. Freddy Hanard SEO ABN-AMRO Followed by two days of Workshops at CCBL. Free participation for the members of the Diamond and Precious Stones Federation (coffe break en walking buffet included). There will be a shuttel service between Gare du Nord (HST) and Hotel Intercontinental.
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