Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group, will be presenting a “State of the Diamond Industry” address at the Basel Congress Center opposite the BASELWORLD fair venue.

There will be two presentations: 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The two-hour address will focus on the significant impact the global economic crisis is having on the diamond industry with specific attention to diamond prices, distribution and financing.

Attendance will be limited. RSVP to conference@diamonds.net.

As previously announced, The Rapaport Fair Trade Jewelry Conference will take place on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., at the Basel Congress Center. The conference agenda will include panel discussions about Fair Trade standards for jewelry, recent initiatives, and the sourcing and marketing of Fair Trade jewelry. Leading NGOs and members of the jewelry trade are expected to attend.

Participation is free and open to all. RSVP to fairtrade@diamonds.net.

Attendees at the Rapaport presentations are encouraged to donate CHF 10 (Swiss francs) to the non-profit Fair Trade Diamond and Jewelry Association. 

JCK