The 18th Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous: Shaping the Future of the Diamond Industry
The prestigious 18th Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous, an annual symposium revered within the global diamond and gemmology communities, is set to convene on September 9, 2019. Organized by the esteemed Association Française de Gemmologie (AFG), or the French Association of Gemmology, this landmark event will bring together an unparalleled lineup of industry leaders, experts, and visionaries. Held at the historic l’ASIEM, located at 6 rue Albert de Lapparent, Paris, France, the symposium promises a day of insightful discussions, critical analyses, and forward-thinking strategies essential for navigating the evolving landscape of the diamond industry.
In an era marked by dynamic market shifts, technological advancements, and increasing scrutiny over ethical practices, the need for informed dialogue has never been more pressing. The AFG has meticulously curated a program designed to address the most pertinent challenges and opportunities facing the natural diamond sector. Attendees will gain invaluable perspectives on everything from responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency to the impact of lab-grown diamonds and the latest innovations in diamond cutting. This symposium is a crucial platform for professionals to stay abreast of industry trends, foster collaborations, and reinforce the enduring value of natural diamonds.
A Convergence of Global Diamond Leaders and Visionaries
The Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous is renowned for attracting the most influential voices in the diamond world, and this year’s installment is no exception. A diverse array of speakers from leading mining corporations, research institutions, and industry organizations will share their expertise. Their presentations will delve deep into the core issues defining the diamond trade today, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted view of its present state and future trajectory. The event is a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the architects of the industry’s future, learning about the pivotal decisions and innovations that will shape its path forward.
Spotlight on Key Speakers and Transformative Topics
Jim Pounds: Illuminating Canadian Diamonds – Mining and Marketing Canadian Brilliance
Jim Pounds, the Executive Vice-President of Diamonds at Dominion Diamond Mines, will provide a captivating overview of the Canadian diamond industry. His presentation, titled “Canadian Diamonds – Mining and Marketing Canadian Brilliance,” will trace the fascinating history of diamond discovery and production in Canada. Pounds will elaborate on the distinctive characteristics that set Canadian diamonds apart from those found in other parts of the world, exploring what makes them uniquely marketable and highly sought after by discerning consumers. Beyond their exceptional quality, Canadian diamonds are often associated with stringent ethical and environmental standards.
Furthermore, Pounds will address the formidable challenges of business stewardship within Canada’s pristine, yet climatically demanding, northern environments. He will highlight the innovative strategies and robust operational practices employed by Dominion Diamond Mines to ensure responsible mining. A significant portion of his talk will focus on the powerful synergies forged through collaboration with local communities, particularly Indigenous groups. These partnerships are instrumental in delivering socially significant and sustainable development projects, ensuring that diamond mining contributes positively to regional economies and livelihoods. His insights will underscore how Canadian brilliance extends beyond the sparkle of the gem to encompass responsible environmental management and community upliftment, reinforcing the compelling narrative of origin for these unique stones.
Martin Rapaport: Navigating The State of the Diamond Industry – The Synthetic Diamond Challenge
Martin Rapaport, the esteemed Chairman of Rapaport, is set to deliver a seminal presentation on “The State of the Diamond Industry – The Synthetic Diamond Challenge.” Rapaport is a titan in the diamond world, known for his incisive analysis and profound understanding of market dynamics. He will address how the emergence and proliferation of synthetic (lab-grown) diamonds are fundamentally disrupting the established foundations of the natural diamond industry. His talk will explore the implications of skyrocketing synthetic production and the subsequent plummeting prices on the market for natural diamonds, particularly in the context of competition against expensive natural diamonds and luxury brands.
The core of Rapaport’s argument will revolve around the long-term damage to consumer confidence and the erosion of natural diamonds’ unique position as the ultimate symbol of emotional and financial security. He contends that synthetic diamond producers are attempting to “steal the diamond dream” by mimicking the appearance of natural diamonds without offering the same intrinsic value, rarity, or heritage. This provocative session will challenge attendees to consider critical questions: What collective actions should the industry take to confront this challenge? And, more importantly, how can the value proposition of natural diamonds be enhanced and communicated effectively to preserve their timeless allure and investment appeal for future generations? His insights are anticipated to be a rallying call for the industry to reaffirm the irreplaceable essence of natural diamonds.
Peter Karakchiev: The Diamond Story of ALROSA – Provenance and Sustainability
Peter Karakchiev, Head of the International Relations Department at ALROSA, one of the world’s leading diamond mining companies, will present “The Diamond Story of ALROSA.” His presentation will begin with a concise overview of ALROSA’s vast operations, providing context for the company’s significant role in the global diamond supply chain. Karakchiev will then broaden his discussion to ALROSA’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, detailing the robust corporate standards and multilateral industry cooperation initiatives that underpin their commitment to ethical and sustainable mining. This segment will highlight ALROSA’s efforts to minimize environmental impact and foster positive relationships with the communities in which it operates.
A crucial element of his talk will be the discussion on the growing importance of diamond provenance claims and traceability within the industry. In an age where consumers demand greater transparency, understanding a diamond’s journey from mine to market is paramount. Karakchiev will explain how ALROSA is addressing these demands through advanced systems and collaborations. Concluding his presentation, he will offer a swift yet informative overview of the “Total Clarity” research carried out by Trucost. This groundbreaking study rigorously analyzes the global impact of modern diamond mining on the workforce, local communities, and the planet, providing data-driven insights that challenge common misconceptions about the industry’s environmental and social footprint. His talk will reinforce the narrative of responsible stewardship and the verifiable benefits of large-scale diamond mining.
Eddy Vleeschdraeger: Evolution and Revolution of Diamond Cutting – The Dawn of Fenix
Eddy Vleeschdraeger, Director at the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Diamonds (WTOCD – Belgium) and author of the seminal book “Hardness 10,” will present on the fascinating topic of “Evolution and Revolution of Diamond Cutting.” Vleeschdraeger is an authority on the technical aspects of diamonds, and his presentation promises to be both historical and visionary. He will begin by tracing the enduring legacy of diamond cutting, noting that for over 500 years, the basic techniques pioneered by Louis de Berquem have remained largely unchanged, a testament to their fundamental genius.
However, Vleeschdraeger will then dramatically shift focus to the present, declaring that “Today, with Fenix, we have the real revolution of the 21st century.” He will unveil how this groundbreaking innovation is set to utterly transform the ancient craft of diamond cutting. The advent of Fenix, an undisclosed technological advancement, signals a paradigm shift that will render traditional cutting methodologies obsolete. His bold assertion that “The job of diamond cutter will never be the same. It is the end of the cutting schools or long basic courses” hints at a future where precision, efficiency, and perhaps even creativity in cutting are redefined by technology. This presentation will be essential for anyone seeking to understand the future of diamond craftsmanship and the role of innovation in preserving and enhancing the beauty of these precious stones.
Feriel Zerouki: Pioneering Ethical Sourcing with GemFair – Supporting the Formalisation of the ASM Sector
Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice-President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives at De Beers, will deliver an important address on “GemFair, a De Beers Group initiative supporting the formalisation of the ASM sector.” Her presentation will shed light on the critical role of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the global diamond supply chain and the challenges often associated with it. Zerouki will introduce GemFair as an innovative pilot project meticulously designed to create a secure and transparent route to market for ethically-sourced artisanal and small-scale mined diamonds. This initiative reflects De Beers’ commitment to extending its ethical sourcing principles across the entire diamond value chain.
The overarching aim of GemFair is ambitious yet vital: to help foster the development of the ASM sector as a credible and trusted source of diamond supply. By providing artisanal and small-scale miners with unparalleled access to De Beers’ industry-leading distribution channel, GemFair aims to empower these miners by offering fair prices for their produce. Beyond market access, the initiative actively collaborates with artisanal and small-scale miners to significantly improve their working standards, promoting safer practices, environmental responsibility, and fair labor conditions. Through these comprehensive efforts, GemFair aspires to directly improve the livelihoods and working conditions for thousands of miners participating in the initiative, thereby contributing to the sustainable development and formalization of a historically informal but economically significant sector. Her insights will highlight how targeted interventions can drive positive change and create a more equitable and transparent diamond industry.
A Holistic Perspective from Industry Stalwarts
Beyond this final announcement of speakers, the 18th Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous has previously revealed an equally impressive roster of luminaries who will contribute to the day’s discussions. These include Alan Bronstein, President of the Natural Color Diamond Association, offering expertise on rare and vibrant natural colored diamonds; Aurélien Delaunay, Director of the French Laboratory of Gemmology (LFG), providing scientific insights; David Fisher, Principal Scientist at De Beers Technology, discussing cutting-edge advancements; Richard Duffy, CEO of Petra Diamonds, sharing perspectives from another major mining entity; and Stéphane Fischler, President of the World Diamond Council, who will undoubtedly speak on critical industry governance and ethical frameworks. Together, these speakers represent a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring a truly comprehensive exploration of the diamond world from every conceivable angle.
Moderated by a Gemmological Luminary: Didier Giard
The entire symposium will be expertly moderated by Didier Giard, President of the French Association of Gemmology and a distinguished member of the French Academy of Overseas Sciences. Giard’s profound understanding of gemmology and his leadership role make him the ideal figure to guide the day’s robust discussions. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Giard emphasized its importance: “We will be taking a comprehensive look at diamonds. During a period of volatility and when the natural diamond industry is facing so many challenges, including from synthetics and an uncertain international market, we are delighted that such leading members of the diamond industry will be giving us informed, considered views, backed by years of experience.” His vision ensures that the symposium will not merely present information but will foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, prompting critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving among attendees and speakers alike.
An Unmissable Event for the Diamond Trade
This single-day event, running from 9:15 am to 6:00 pm, is meticulously structured to provide an unparalleled amount of “food for thought” for everyone involved in the diamond trade. The breadth of topics covered is vast, ranging from the intricate processes of diamond mining and the current state of the global market to the fascinating world of colored diamonds. Furthermore, the symposium will delve into the scientific, gemmological, and historical aspects that underpin the enduring allure of natural diamonds. Attendees will benefit from high-level insights, strategic discussions, and networking opportunities that are invaluable in today’s competitive environment.
Didier Giard strongly urges members of the trade to register as soon as possible to secure their place at this pivotal symposium. Given the limited number of available seats, early registration is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. To ensure accessibility for a wider international audience, the symposium will feature simultaneous French and English translation, enabling seamless participation for all attendees. This commitment to inclusivity underscores the event’s ambition to be a truly global forum for diamond industry dialogue.
Secure Your Place at This Landmark Gemmological Symposium
The 18th Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous represents a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into the current state and future direction of the diamond industry. It is an essential event for diamond traders, gemmologists, jewelers, researchers, and anyone passionate about the world of precious stones. Don’t miss your chance to hear from the experts who are actively shaping the narrative and innovations within this dynamic sector.
To register for this exclusive event, please send an email to: [email protected]
For any further information or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Didier Giard directly at: [email protected]
Join us in Paris for a day of unparalleled learning, networking, and critical discussion that will empower you with the knowledge to thrive in the evolving diamond industry.