World Diamod Council, WDC New Members: In an extraordinary development, the World Diamond Council (WDC) has experienced an unprecedented surge in membership during 2023, reflecting a resolute dedication from the industry to uphold values of integrity and compassion. The latest data, shared by WDC Executive Director Elodie Daguzan, reveals that 18 new members have joined since the beginning of the year, marking a remarkable 49% increase in just nine months.
This surge, the most significant since the organization’s reconstitution in 2014, is punctuated by the addition of 13 companies between April and October 2023, marking a remarkable 24% rise in membership during that period. Among the noteworthy new members are industry leaders such as A.V. Diamonds, Arslanian Group DMCC, B.A. Asscher, Constell Group, Crodiam Consulting, Diamex Inc., DN Diamonds, Julius Klien Diamonds, Karshev Jewellery, Kunming International, Matthew Schamroth, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), and VD Global.
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Daguzan expressed particular optimism about the influx of young industry leaders into the WDC, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the future decision-makers. According to her, WDC membership goes beyond a symbol of pride, serving as a commitment to an ethically responsible supply chain and an active promotion of the principles championed by the organization.
As the WDC asserts itself as the foremost guardian of the natural diamond industry, Daguzan welcomed the new members and urged them to play an active role in shaping the industry’s future. Emphasizing inclusivity, she stressed the WDC’s commitment to leaving no one behind, ensuring that every facet of the industry is involved in advancing the principles of integrity and compassion.
The World Diamond Council (WDC) is an organization that represents the interests of the diamond industry and promotes the integrity of the diamond supply chain. It also supports the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
The WDC has recently announced the addition of 13 new members from various sectors of the diamond industry, including mining, manufacturing, trading, grading, logistics and retail. The new members are:
1. ARSLANIAN GROUP DMCC
Founded in 2013, Arslanian Group DMCC, a major player in the global rough diamond trade, emphasizes supply chain integrity, ethical sourcing, and traceability in its corporate strategies.
2. A.V. DIAMONDS
Founded 30+ years ago by Vinay Kotak and Alex Malik, A.V. Diamonds, part of V&A Group, is a leading global jewelry manufacturer. Upholding principles of integrity and responsibility, it attributes success to ethical practices, fostering win-win opportunities for its 5,000+ customers worldwide.
3. B.A. ASSCHER
Established in Paris in 1862, B.A. Asscher supplies diamonds and gemstones to top jewelry brands and retailers, prioritizing ethical practices.
4. CONSTELL GROUP
Constell Group, a leading manufacturing and consulting firm in the diamond industry, offers tailored solutions globally. Established from Worldwide Diamond Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd, the group’s impartial approach ensures conflict-free operations.
5. RODIAM CONSULTING:
Crodiam Consulting, based in Dubai’s DMCC, is an independent rough trading and consulting firm founded by diamond industry specialist Frank Govic. With expertise in start-up diamond mining and sales, Govic previously held key roles at Argyle and BHP Billiton Diamonds.
6. DIAMEX INC.:
Established in 1976 in New York, Diamex is a leading polished diamond manufacturer guided by core values. President Ronnie VanderLinden, a former head of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America, leads the company. Diamex offers polished diamonds, jewelry consultations, appraisals, and expert advice for estate sales and private purchases.
7. DN DIAMONDS:
Established in 2007, DN Diamonds is an Israeli diamond and jewelry company specializing in larger diamonds, 3.00 carats and up. Founded by Nissim Zuaretz, President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, it’s recognized for excellence, with global offices and accolades from Israel’s Ministry of Economy.
8. JULIUS KLIEN DIAMONDS:
Since 1948, Julius Klein Diamonds (JKD) stands as a global industry leader. Renowned for fine-quality diamonds and unique jewelry, JKD operates in New York, Tel Aviv, and Hong Kong. Upholding family values, JKD thrives on integrity, trust, dedication, and craftsmanship.
9. KARSHEV JEWELLERY:
Based in Mumbai, Karshev Jewellery is a family-run, private jeweler providing bespoke services. Three generations of diamantaires ensure the creation of extraordinary pieces by uncovering the world’s most exquisite stones, blending tradition, and craftsmanship.
10. KUNMING INTERNATIONAL:
Kunming Diamonds, a global, multi-generational company, ranks among the world’s top natural colored diamond trading houses. Committed to responsible business, it holds RJC membership, is an Authorized Partner of Argyle Pink Diamonds, and a certified member of the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF).
11. MATTHEW SCHAMROTH:
Matthew Schamroth, a fourth-generation diamantaire, partners in M. Schamroth & Sons of New York, founded in Antwerp in the 20th century. An active DMIA Executive Board member, he established the DDIC in 2019 to uphold diamond supply chain integrity.
12. KAVANGO DIAMOND COMPANY (ODC):
Established in 2013 and government-owned in Botswana, ODC is a leading rough diamond marketer, exclusively supplying Botswana-sourced goods. Accessing 25% of Debswana’s production, it achieved $1 billion revenue in 2022-2023, poised to increase to 30%, selling over 7 million carats annually.
13. VD GLOBAL:
Founded in 1981, VD Global (VDG) boasts 50+ years of diamond expertise across three generations. A trusted luxury industry player globally, VDG is committed to crafting ethical, sustainable, and traceable natural polished diamonds for watch and jewelry maisons in major markets.
The Other 5 Members Added in 2023 are
1. CHORON GROUP
A Belgian company that specializes in sourcing, assorting and selling rough diamonds, as well as manufacturing and trading polished diamonds and jewelry.
2. SAPHIRA:
Founded in 2017 by Exploration Geophysicist Dr. Adriana Traviati in Melbourne, Australia, Saphira is a private jeweler specializing in rare, GIA-certified diamonds, including Argyle Pink Diamonds. Dr. Traviati’s geoscience background enhances Saphira’s commitment to ethical diamond mining education, fostering transparency and innovation for the natural diamond industry.
3. SYNOVA:
Switzerland-based Synova S.A. is an industry leader in developing advanced laser diamond-cutting systems. Utilizing proprietary water jet guided laser technology, their industrial CNC platform offers significant yield and quality improvements in cutting, shaping, blocking, bruting, and drilling. Operating globally, Synova provides job shop cutting services for rough diamonds.
4. INTERNATIONAL GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE (IGI)
The world’s largest independent laboratory for grading diamonds and fine jewelry, with 20 laboratories and 14 education facilities around the world.
5. ROSY BLUE
One of the largest and best-known names in the global diamond industry, with a presence in 12 countries and a focus on rough diamond procurement, diamond manufacturing and polished trading.