The U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, in cooperation with the World Diamond Council and non-governmental organizations, has produced an educational poster targeted to retail stores, sales associates, and manufacturers that explains the Kimberley Process and the Voluntary System of Warranties. It is available online and is for trade use only. 

The poster was first introduced to the international diamond industry last December at the Kimberley Process Annual Plenary meeting in Moscow. “It was very well received by  all international delegations and the attending NGOs,” said Cecilia Gardner, director and general counsel of the WDC.

Gardner also presented the poster at the recent WDC fourth Annual Meeting in Catania, Sicily, on Feb. 5-8.”It was clear at the WDC meeting that new mechanisms to promote education of the trade about the Kimberley Process are beneficial,” said Gardner. “The poster is another tool to support that important effort.”  

A copy of the poster can be downloaded from the following websites: WDC (www.worlddiamondcouncil.org), the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (www.jvclegal.org) and Gemological Science International (www.gemscience.net).

The USKPA, along with the Federal government, is responsible for oversight of trade compliance with the Kimberley Process in regard to the export of diamond rough from the U.S. The organization is comprised of three industry volunteers: USKPA chairman Dr. Martin Hochbaum of the Diamond Dealers Club; Gardner of JVC; and and secretary Mark Gershburg of Gemological Science International.

For more information about the USKPA or the Kimberley Process poster, e-mail info@uskpa.org.; or call 212-997-2002.

JCK