Tanzanite, the blue eyed baby of the colored gemstones sector is still fascinating buyers and sellers alike. After virtually galvanizing the sluggish gems sector, it fluctuated due to shortage of quality rough, but it still holds sway over the gems market.

De Beers Unveils Rare Diamond Collection

Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers unveiled the diamond collection of enormous beauty and rarity - the De Beers Millennium Jewels. It includes the De Beers Millennium Star and the Heart of Eternity, besides other dazzling connoisseurs.

Manish Khattar Wins 'Indian Millennium Diamond Design Contest'

The Contest, organised by De Beers & GJEPC attracted a record breaking 1,102 entries. The lucky winner, Manish Khattar designed the brooch entitled `Zero to Millennium'.

Indian Gold Demand Buoyant Again

The Indian gold demand for the second quarter of 1999 was 6% higher than the level recorded for Q2 of 1998. The key factors leading to revival of demand are recovery of the economy & high rural incomes.

GIA World Summit

The Third International Gemmological Symposium was held from June 21-24 in San Diego, USA. Its four sessions covered topics viz. branding, appraisals, diamond cut and disclosure.

World Diamond Community Greets India's Entry into WFDB

The Indian diamond industry's entry into the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (W.F.D.B.) by getting its membership for the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) has been heartily welcomed by world leaders of the diamond sector. BDB had requested Sanjay Kothari, Chairman GJEPC to represent it at the WFDB's biennial meeting in Antwerp, Vasant Mehta, Vice President of I.D.M.A. accompanied him. Russia also Admitted : China Kept Waiting W.F.D.B. approved India's application without much discussion. Similar application by Russia was also approved; but China's application has been kept pending.

De Beers' Bold Strategy : 'Supplier of Choice'

Diamond Best Practice Principles Formulated On July 12, 2000, Nicky Oppenheimer, President, De Beers' unveiled a new policy, "Supplier of Choice" and announced that the functions of CSO, were taken over by DTC (Diamond Trading Co.). Others highlights of the new policy are : DTC goods will only be sold through the very best of businessman (Sightholders) DTC will not have control over the diamond prices. De Beers will sell their diamonds under the brand name DTC; which will carry a premium. By boosting their sales as well as diamond jewellery, De Beers will ultimately benefit its clients (Sightholders). On this occasion, De Beers also announced its 'Diamond Best Practice Principals' for the diamond industry to follow : As per the policy, it is important that customers in the trade as well as consumers are also reassured, amongst other things, that the diamonds they purchase have not been : Sourced from areas where this would encourage conflict. Associated in any way with the use of Child Labour; Connected with harmful/dangerous practices which affected the health or welfare of individuals.