Parcelpaper - ‘t Partijbriefke NO.5The Federation of Diamond and Precious Stones of Antwerp has decided to respond to this situation of synthetic and manipulation of diamonds and against accusations, real or otherwise, from ONG’s and the international press. The creation of the ‘Bureau of Mineral and Gemmology’ independent of the Federation will issue a ‘quality label’ to its members after a thorough investigation. PARIS 23 JUNE
The organizing committee of the ‘Le Diamant, Rêve et Réalité’ (Diamonds, Dream and Reality) conference has been enlarged and strengthened by the ‘Le Bijoutier’ team. This is France’s prime professional trade magazine. Added to this is the valuable assistance of the H.R.D, Kompass and Antwerp Diamond List.
HIGH TECH.
During the coffee breaks and the walking buffet lunch participants to the conference will be able to inspect the latest technologies and expertise in the field of infrared spectroscopy and ultra violet as well the micro-probe Raman. Equipment designed by Universities in collaboration with specialised constructors in order to facilitate use and reporting. During the workshop sessions following the confe-rence day, I.G.I.specialists will demonstrate and give concise practical talks on the use of the equipment.Renishaw, the manufacturer of the Raman spectrometer as well as De Beers will be participating with their detection equipment.
The certificate department of the H.R.D will demonstrate diamond CVD and HPHT detection.
HRD-GDI
Although everybody knows the HRD many are not familiar with the GDI (Gem Defensive Initiative). This is a department of the WTOCD (Scientific and Technical Research Dept. of the HRD). As the name implies, it was established to defend the sector in the face of synthetics and manipulation techniques. Synthetics have existed since the ’50 but neither diamantaires nor jewellers have really been confronted with the product. It is the industrial diamond business that underwent a spectacular evolution and today the production of synthetic diamonds surpasses that of natural diamonds by a factor of 8. However, bear in mind that industrial diamonds in tools, for either precision or heavy industry, are ‘used up’ completely.
The diamond and jewellery trade was shaken up by the first announcement, in the 80’s, that Sumitomo in Japan had succeeded in the production of synthetic diamonds of gem quality without intend to supply the market. The following ten years were relatively calm from the point of view of the diamantaires so that the proverbial sword of Damocles was neglected. It was with the introduction of the HPHT and the GE by Lazar Kaplan that the sector was confronted with the problem of colour manipulation and synthetics. The HRD took its responsibility and created the GDI, which undertook the study of HPHT, for which purpose a Russian ‘pressure oven Bars’ was purchased.During the conference the GDI will present a report on their findings.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Professor Jean Marie Dereppe, responsible for scientific research at the BMG (Bureau of Minerals and Gemmology) of the Federation of Diamond and Precious Stones Dealers of Antwerp, and of the Physics and Chemical Faculty of the University of Louvain la Neuve will present a paper at the conference on manipulations of purity and colours in diamonds endorsed by Dr.Hänni of the SSEF. Professor Dereppe is well known and enjoys an international reputation in this field.A new technique has appeared in the world of diamond jewellery. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposit). This is a technique used largely for industrial instruments during the last ten years but has now turned to the jewellery sector. How to detect this new synthetic? How should the trade respons? Appolo, Novatech, General Electric, Belataire, are they a threat to natural diamonds? What equipment is at the deposal of the jeweller? Will they have to invest vast sums of money to defend themselves? We will come to the point on June 23rd.
THE 5TH C
The Federation of Diamond and Precious Stones of Antwerp has decided to respond to this situation of synthetic and manipulation of diamonds and against accusations, real or otherwise, from ONG’s and the international press. The creation of the ‘Bureau of Mineral and Gemmology’ independent of the Federation will issue a ‘quality label’ to its members after a thorough investigation. With the 5th C (Confidence) the Federation guarantees the consumer that the rough diamond originated in a conflict free country and cut in factories in accordance to prevailing standards of hygiene and safety with no child labour involved. Furthermore, no criminal involvement such as money laundering or diamond manipulation is guaranteed. This initiative will re-establish confidence with the consumer of this precious and most beautiful product of nature: diamonds.
The official launch of this project will be announced at the conference. The international ONG Global Witness and the ICM (International Union of Miners and Diamond Workers) have already subscribed to this initiative. The signing of the statutes of this International non-profit association will take place at the closing of the conference.
HARMONISATION
Harmonisation of the standards is another aspect of evolution in our sector. Since the ‘70’s certificates have become indispensable. However, they speak in a different language to the present norm, what progress has been made? Where do we stand today ?
CREATIVITY
France, as well as the other European Community countries has another advantage: creativity. Lorenz Bäumer is one of the most active creators of the Place Vendôme. During his presentation ‘the road to creativity’ he will talk on his key to success. He will share this success with you at the conference.
ECONOMY
The economic situation and the evolution of the jewellery business. Yves Moritz is, amongst others, head editor of the prestigious magazine ‘Le Bijoutier’ and a specialist in the luxury field.
WHAT TO DO?
That is the question the jeweller and gemmologist pose, will he need a laboratory to cope with the problems of HPTP and CVD. Dr.Hänni of the SSEF laboratory in Basel will reply to this question. He will present some basic tests with techniques available to the jeweller.
SELLING
The jeweller and the wholesaler are confronted with new sales arguments and philosophies.The sector has remained rigid far too long. Technology has evolved, how can retail jewellers meet these new challenges. A professional, Thomas Morel will guide us.
SOC SUPPLIER OF CHOICE
No other subject these last years in our business has caused so much controversy. What will be the political future of De Beers and how will it affect our sector. Derek Palmer international manager of the selling department of DTC will show us the way of international promotion policy. A must against other luxury products.
RIO TINTO
Rio Tinto is a giant in the mining business. Since their commitment to the diamond sector major changes have occurred. Gordon Gilchrist, Managing-Director will present a paper on rough diamond production, future perspective and promotion of the product.
SECURITY
Security is a nightmare for the retail jeweller whilst the wholesale traders can avail themselves of security transports. How can these risks be minimized? Brinks France will present major programmes.
RUSSIA
Alrosa, Russia’s major producer has been through important changes both politically and structurally. The chain is complete from mining to manufacture of jewellery. Nevertheless, there are business opportunities for Russia and Europe. Serge Ouline, Managing-Director of Alrosa, will talk on this subject.
E-MAIL FLASH
The Beurs voor Diamanthandel (Diamond Bourse) will celebrate its 100th. Anniversary this year. Monday, June 14th. is a historic date for this prestigious bourse and, indeed, for the whole diamond trade.
ABOUT ‘LARGE SIZES’
The largest stone ever has been found in our galaxy by astronomers of Havard University and is said to be 10 million million carats, give or take a few points!! One problem: it is 50 light years from the Centaur constellation. But, you can see its brilliance in the publicity of the Federation in Kompass Diamant 2004 on page 45!
CVD
The Japanese have found a new and faster technology to grow CVD. The aim is to manufacture smaller electronic components of a new generation and at a much faster speed.
CERTIFICATE DEPARTMENT
The GDI project in the framework of the WTOCD has intensified its research on HPHT, synthetics and radiation. The microfilm accompanying the seal will disappear as this ‘gadget’ of the 70’s has been surpassed.
INDUSTRY COMMITTEE
A study has been made on labour costs in the Belgium diamond industry. These are said to be between € 50 to 55. At this moment a project is under review on a training programme for cutters but also for contractors.
DIAMOND OFFICE
Transactions presented to the Diamond Office between 9 and 10 o’clock in the morning will enjoy a 10% discount!
PADPARASCHA
Approximately 30.000 natural padarascha certificates were issued in Japan. These proved to be cheap rubies treated by beryrilium diffusion.
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