Diamond Producers Association
Formed by 8 leading diamond mining companies of the world in 2015, Diamond Producers Association (DPA) exists to maintain consumer demand and confidence in diamonds. It aims to play the central controlling role in the diamond industry and also pave the way for its future. Its members include – ALROSA, De Beers, Dominion Diamond, Gem Diamonds, Lucara Diamonds, Murowa Diamonds, Petra Diamonds, and Rio Tinto. All these companies through the DPA formulate and execute strategies to sustain diamond mining and demand. ‘REAL IS RARE. REAL IS A DIAMOND’ is the campaign that was rolled out by the DPA.
www.diamondproducers.com
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
First, let’s learn about Conflict Diamonds. Conflict Diamonds are those which are illegally traded in those regions which are war-torn. The conflict diamonds used to be traded in exchange for weapons and money. Apart from people suffering in the war zone areas, many people were used as slaves to dig into mud and search for diamonds. To eradicate this, the Kimberley Process was established in May of 2000 in Kimberley, South Africa. Thus, Kimberley Process Certification Scheme certifies all diamonds which are used for commercial use and prevents the flow and sale of conflict diamonds. There are legal consequences that one will have to face if found guilty of dealing in conflict diamonds.
www.kimberleyprocess.com
Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB)
A bourse is a place where people buy and sell a commodity. Bharat Diamond Bourse, popularly known as BDB, is situated in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Spreading over 20 acres and composing more than 2500 offices in a city like Mumbai, BDB plays an extremely important role in making the business of rough and polished diamonds and jewelry not only organized but also secure. It is the world’s largest diamond bourse. Hundreds of meetings and transactions are happening at BDB at any given time and it attracts buyers from all around the world.
www.bdbindia.org/
Gemmological Institute of America
Formed in 1931 by Robert Shipley, today GIA is at the forefront of education and laboratory services of diamonds and gemstones. Having offices throughout the world, they offer multiple services related to the gem industry. GIA provides historical and latest advancements in fields like diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, jewellery design etc. through courses on their campuses. Their Mumbai campus is located in the Trade Centre building in Bandra Kurla Complex. They are considered to be the founder of the 4Cs of diamonds (Clarity, Colour, Carat and Cut) and provide certification and in-depth analysis of loose diamonds which can be submitted to their laboratories. They also issue quarterly reports through which they share their latest findings in the gem industry.
www.gia.edu.org/
International Gemmological Institute
International Gemmological Institute, popularly known as IGI, is another leader in certification and gem studies. The difference between GIA and IGI is that IGI accepts jewellery for certification and GIA doesn’t. IGI also has offices all over the world in cities like Mumbai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai etc. One can submit their diamonds, coloured stones or jewellery to any of the IGI offices and obtain a debit card sized certificate for your piece. IGI certificate holds utmost importance in the jewellery market because it is proof of quality. Their Mumbai offices are in BKC and Opera House.
www.igi.org/
