A link to the form to make a claim under the De Beers Indirect Purchaser/Reseller class action lawsuit is available on Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Web site. It includes guidance to complete the form and a series of frequently asked questions. The lawsuit and claim form covers gem-quality diamonds only.

In addition, jewelry industry members who have questions about completing the form can contact JVC’s Web hotline for help jvcquestions@aol.com. A link to the “Direct Purchasers” claim form will be posted on JVC’s Web site as soon as it is available.

Starting Dec. 28, a court authorized media campaign to notify consumer class members about making a claim will commerce, JVC said. Advertisements in hundreds of newspapers, magazines (both trade and consumer), and on the radio will run until February 2008.

The court also ordered that on Dec. 28, written notice about the claim form will be mailed, first class, to approximately 50,000 entities covered under the lawsuit. Those who wish to file a claim will have until May 19, 2008, to submit a form. The claim form must be postmarked on or before May 19, 2008, for it to be accepted.

“The claim form is not difficult to complete but it does require attention to detail and figures,” said Cecilia Gardner, JVC’s president, chief executive officer, and general counsel. “JVC has posted on our Web site both a link to the claim form and guidance on how to complete the form. As the guardian of ethics and integrity in the jewelry industry, JVC will help jewelers who have questions about completing the form.”

JCK