Nicky Oppenheimer will deliver the keynote address at the 2002 American Gem Society International Conclave in Vancouver, British Columbia. He will share his thoughts on the challenges facing the diamond industry in the new century and how De Beers and the DTC are adapting to meet them. Oppenheimer will address attendees during the DPS hosted “Dinner of Diamonds” on the evening of Thursday, April 25, 2002.

“The American Gem Society is a standard bearer for the North American Jewelry industry,” says Gareth Penny, DTC Executive Director, Head of Sales and Marketing. “Mr. Oppenheimer’s participation in Conclave reflects the importance De Beers places on the ideals and membership of this great organization.”

Oppenheimer is Chairman of De Beers Centenary AG, De Beers Consolidated Mines and DB Investments, the consortium that owns De Beers. He was educated at Oxford and has been directly involved in the diamond industry since joining the Anglo American Corporation in 1968. His talk will provide an overview of the status of the global diamond market and De Beers’ role in the market.

“We are looking forward to Mr. Oppenheimer’s participation at Conclave,” states Bill Sustachek, CGA, AGS Conclave Committee Chair. “This will be a rare opportunity for our members to hear, firsthand, from one of the most influential men in the diamond industry today.”

The AGS International Conclave will take place April 24 through 27, 2002, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Attendees can attend classes on a variety of topics Additional speakers featured this year include Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to climb Mt. Everest; Dr. Robert Kriegel, change expert and author of “If It Ain’t Broke, Break It!”; Peter Levine, a brand image expert; and Ed Bridge, co-CEO of Ben Bridge Jewelers, as keynote speaker at the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon. For more information on the AGS International Conclave call 1-800-346-8485.

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. All members are held to high ethical standards in the industry and are re-certified annually to maintain their AGS titles. For more information regarding the American Gem Society and 2001 International Conclave please call 702.255.6500, or visit the AGS website at www.ags.org.

JCK