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BVC Group & Brinks India Sign JV AgreementBVC Group Logistics, a leading player in providing logistic solutions to the gem and jewellery sector, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brinks India, the local arm of the international major, to provide seamless service throughout India and overseas.

BVC Group will use Brinks’ global services network for its diamond and jewellery international shipments to more than 100 countries. BVC Group will cater to all the domestic logistics and customs clearance of diamonds and jewellery for Brinks India. The new partnership also encompasses the expansion of infrastructure and use of sophisticated technology, increasing the number of armoured vehicles, and the deployment of security equipment and ERP and tracking devices.

“Our goal is to provide logistic services to the diamond and jewellery sector on a large scale and ensure maximum outreach. The partnership with Brinks will help us access some of the best global practices and technology, guaranteeing a strong foothold within this niche but very critical business sector,” said BVC Group Logistics director, Bhavik Chinai. “The value addition makes it a win-win situation for both BVC Group and Brinks. It brings together companies with decades of experience to provide a wider range of services and network coverage.”

BVC Group will now handle the pan-India diamond and jewellery export and import of Brinks India, making it the largest diamond and jewellery supply chain management

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company. In the gems and jewellery space, BVC Group currently handles over 45% of the international trade of gems and jewellery of India.

“By leveraging BVC Group’s exceptional sales and customer service culture on top of Brink’s global infrastructure we believe we are creating an unmatched offering which will support India’s position as the leading centre for the global diamond and jewellery industry,” commented Samir Hosangady, managing director, Brinks India.

Small-value economical shipments, exhibition management and vaulting through an armoured network are also part of the new arrangement.

Katrina Kaif Inaugurates Nakshatra’s First Jaipur Store Nakshatra, a Gitanjali Group brand, launched its first store in Jaipur. Bollywood actor and Nakshatra’s brand ambassador Katrina Kaif was present at the event.

The store will display a wide assortment of jewellery including pieces from the True platinum, Parineeta and Nizam collections.

Amrish Masalia, COO, Nakshatra Diamond Jewellery said, “With the opening of this new store, our customers in Jaipur will now have easier access to our jewellery with a wide choice in range as well as designs.”

22 solitaire INTERNATIONAL AugusT 2013

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AWDC Implements Tailored Anti-tiger Kidnapping ProgrammeThe Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) Security Office launched an integrated anti-tiger kidnapping programme in collaboration with the local police. The primary objective of the integrated anti-tiger kidnapping programme is to explain and assist in the prevention and the procedures that need to be applied in a tiger kidnapping in progress. The programme was tailor-made for the Antwerp diamond industry.

AWDC CEO Ari Epstein said, “We are fortunate that tiger kidnappings don’t happen often, but it’s crucial to prevent this type of crime at all costs. Security is one of the important aspects we defined in our strategic plan, launched early 2012. In the first phase we restructured the AWDC

Security Office, redefined its operations, coordination and communication and appointed Stephan Van Hauwe as senior security coordinator. In the second phase we joined forces with the local police of Antwerp, the Province of Antwerp and the City of Antwerp to launch a series of security awareness sessions, the first of which is this dedicated anti-tiger kidnapping programme.”

Stephan Van Hauwe, senior security coordinator, AWDC Security Office, commented, “Research indicates that prevention measures through adequate organisation of home and office security are the most effective ones. This first security awareness session on anti-tiger kidnapping marks the

industry, we have initiated a ‘security hotline’, where people can report unusual or suspicious activities.”

The security awareness sessions are also supported by the governor of Antwerp, Cathy Berx and the city’s mayor, Bart De Wever.

start of a series of monthly and ad hoc sessions, organised by the AWDC Security Office and targeted at all stakeholders of the Antwerp diamond industry. In addition and similar to the model implemented for example by the financial

Anglo’s Mark Cutifani Is The New De Beers ChairmanThe Board of De Beers Société Anonyme announced the appointment of Mark Cutifani, chief executive of Anglo American plc, as chairman of the De Beers Group, effective immediately.

Following his appointment, Cutifani commented, “I am honoured to join and lead the De Beers Board. The company’s 125-year heritage, experienced management team and unparalleled understanding of the unique

nature of the diamond market, make it the world’s leading diamond company. From De Beers’ production and projects portfolio, to its iconic brand and proven ability to open new markets, the company is poised to capture the considerable opportunities in front of us as diamond demand outpaces supply for years to come. I look forward to working with the board and continuing its support of the De Beers leadership team, headed by Philippe Mellier.”

Mellier, CEO of De Beers Group, added, “De Beers is delighted to gain a chairman with Mark’s operational experience and track record for leading large organisations. Mark is clearly a highly respected leader and the employees of De Beers join with me in welcoming him into a great company. I look forward to working with Mark as we find new ways to enhance De Beers’ leadership position across the diamond pipeline and create value for our shareholders, partners, customers and consumers.”

A trained mining engineer, Mark has worked across six continents, 25 countries and more than 20 commodities.


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Gitanjali Jewels Scores A Century

Diya, Parineeta, Sangini, Nizam, Ananya and Gitanjali Gold, launched its 100th store in India at Gurgaon on July 11.

Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel was invited to cut the ribbon, alongside Gitanjali Jewels managing director Santosh Srivastava. “Jewels are the key to making

a woman feel special. Gitanjali Jewels is making every woman in India feel that twinkle with their affordable ranges, unique styles and wide appeal,” Patel said on the occasion.

Spread across 5,500 sq ft, the new store will offer up to 100% cash back on diamond and gold jewellery.

All its diamond jewellery is certified by the International Gemological Institute, while the gold jewellery is hallmarked by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Srivastava noted, “Having started out with a meagre 5 to 6 stores at the beginning, it’s a moment of sheer pride for us to be inaugurating our 100th store. But we have a long way to go, and in the coming years we anticipate around 300 stores.

“Our dream was to reach out to the masses, helping them wear their aspirations in the form of affordable luxurious jewellery. Today, Gitanjali Jewels caters to the aspirations of millions of people across the Indian subcontinent.”

Gitanjali Jewels whose brands include Asmi, Nakshatra, D’damas, Gili,

GJF Boosts Trade Through Alankarik In Kolkata The All India Gems and Jewellery Federation (GJF) recently organised ‘Alankarik’, a networking event for jewellers at The Park in Kolkata, as part of its ongoing initiative to encourage trade in the city. The event offered gem and jewellery traders a platform to network and seek new business opportunities. The audience was also treated to a jewellery-cum-fashion show as well as melodious scores by singer Hum Sufi.

Speaking on the occasion, GJF past chairman Bachhraj Bamalwa said, “We are constantly looking for avenues to lend a push to the players in the gems and jewellery industry. This is one such platform that would definitely go a long way towards creating a huge mind share for different industry players. GJF has always been at the forefront for taking up critical trade issues.”

Prominent jewellery brands from Mumbai like P&S Jewellers and Mirrar Jewels exhibited their designs. Sanghi Jewellers from Hyderabad also participated in the event. The guest list included not only jewellers from eastern India but also DTC sightholders, namely, Mahendra Brothers, Rosy Blue, Shrenuj, Eurostar, Tache and Eliaz Diamonds.


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CSR Programme For Jewellery Industry In The Pipeline: CIBJO

Kalyan Jewellers Opens Fourth Showroom In Pune

CIBJO is currently preparing a “groundbreaking” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) educational programme for the jewellery sector, which will be offered worldwide and promote the industry's involvement in sustainable development, CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri stated at a meeting of the United Nation's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in Geneva last month.

The ECOSOC deals with the world's economic, social and environmental challenges, and is responsible for 70% of human and financial resources of the entire UN system. One of its

Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan inaugurated Kalyan Jewellers’ fourth showroom in Pune in early July. The new store is spread over 14,000 sq ft and marks a total of 50 showrooms for the jeweller in the country. Kalyan Jewellers is planning to open 15 more showrooms across the globe in this financial year. It aims to have 100 stores spread across India by 2015.

Kalyan Jewellers managing director T.S. Kalyanaraman said, “The launch of our store in Pune underlines the importance of this dynamic market. We are hopeful that Kalyan Jewellers’ tryst with Maharashtra will make more jewellery aficionados appreciate the brand and its unparalleled collection of jewellery.”

In his statement, Cavalieri said that CIBJO shares a common vision with ECOSOC. “It seeks to increase innovative productivity, encourages the use of cutting-edge mining and jewellery processing technologies, and industrialisation and downstream beneficiation in developing economies, leading to economic growth and the creation of decent jobs in the international jewellery industry. This will, in turn, contribute to eradicating poverty in regions in which we are particularly active, and specifically Africa,” he stated.

In developing the CSR educational programme, CIBJO will join forces with Fiera di Vicenza, one of the leading trade fair organisers in the international jewellery industry. “Through Fiera di Vicenza's extensive international network, we aim to educate members of the industry about CSR, and specifically the obligations of businesses to promote


key functions is to promote the Millennium Development Goals, which were set by the United Nations in 2000, and created specific targets for poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, child

and maternal health, environmental stability, HIV/AIDS and malaria reduction, as well as a global partnership for development. These are meant to be met by 2015.

CIBJO, which has been the jewellery industry's sole representative in the body since 2006, was among the 78 non-government organisations chosen to address the high level meeting, from the 3,735 NGOs that are recognized by ECOSOC. The meeting was opened by Ban Ki-Moon, the UN secretary-general; Vuk Jeremić, president of the UN General Assembly; and Néstor Osorio, president of ECOSOC.

sustainable development,” he stated. Contact has been made with one of Italy's leading business schools concerning the preparation of courses and educational materials, said Cavalieri.

“The proposed CIBJO-Fiera di Vicenza programme will be presented at the UN headquarters in the fall,” Cavalieri stated. “The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations will review this educational programme in the hope of mainstreaming ethical business practices into many cultures.”

Cavalieri made special mention of technological innovation in the jewellery industry in his address to the meeting, noting that it can serve as catalyst to narrow the gaps between emerging centres and established ones. “Technology,” he said, “enables the people in new centres to get the same value and with the same profitability, and also encourages companies in the developed centres to invest in developing centres.”

© M

DBC

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JA Members Meet Key US Legislators Over E-fairness Debate

Delegates of the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC) met lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to discuss their view on key legislative issues that affect the jewellery industry. As in past years, much of the day's discussion centred on sales tax fairness, which would level the playing field between

online and brick-and-mortar businesses.

The issue is currently at the forefront on Capitol Hill. In May, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 legislation, which would finally close the internet sales tax loophole that continues to hurt traditional jewellery businesses. This legislation is now being considered by the House of Representatives, where it faces a stronger opposition.

“This is a critical time for jewellery businesses, with legislators seriously considering the passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act, the ongoing threat of LIFO (last in, first out) repeal and the possibility of major tax reform in the near-term,” says JA president and CEO David Bonaparte. “The Capitol Hill fly-in was a great

opportunity to get these issues – and especially jewellers’ views on them – in front of key decision makers in D.C.”

The group consisted of JA director of public affairs Susan Thea Posnock, and members of the JAPAC board and JA's board of directors.

Jewellers like Bill Farmer of Farmer's Jewelers in Lexington, KY, made their case in support of e-fairness. “The margins on diamonds have narrowed, and the difference between in-store sales tax and online tax-free prices can keep me from closing a lot of sales. It’s bad business for independent jewellers like me to have to compete for customers’ sales due to an unfair tax advantage,” he explains. Passage of sales tax fairness would mean brick-and-mortar retailers

wouldn't enter the sale discussion with this kind of tax disadvantage.

Senator Dick Durbin, a co-sponsor of the Marketplace Fairness Act, met with the JAPAC group during dinner and advised them to keep pressing for passage of the bill: “You've got to explain to the House members what this means to local businesses and tell them, 'you say you're for small business, prove it to me!'“

Besides e-fairness, discussions centred on protection of LIFO – the last in, first-out accounting method. With tax reform and deficit reduction at the top of the agenda in D.C., LIFO repeal is an attractive revenue raising option for some legislators and the Obama administration, which has repeatedly sought repeal.

GJTCI To Host Gujarat International Jewellery Show In September

The Gem & Jewellery Trade Council of India (GJTCI) will hold its fifth edition of the Gujarat International Jewellery Show (GIJS) from

their business face-to-face. The event will be held at the YMCA International Centre in Ahmedabad. The announcement of GIJS

September 20 to 22, 2013. The exhibition will provide direct opportunities to jewellers and wholesalers to meet and to discuss

2013 was attended by GJTCI president Shantibhai Patel and members of the executive committee along with prominent jewellers.


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PGI’s Digital Initiatives Win Accolades

GIA Exhibits At Africa Education Week

The Platinum Guild International (PGI) said that its ‘Platinum Day of Love’ mobile application as well as a ‘Platinum Augmented Reality (AR) Programme’, which were conceived to tap the growing online and mobile space, have won several awards in the recent past.

The mobile app (tinyurl.com/dyhxa2k) has achieved over 64,000 downloads to date, while the wapsite (www.preciousplatinumindia.mobi) through the AR has had over 1, 30,000 quick response (QR) code scans since its launch in late 2011.

“This initiative is a great example of marrying a key consumer insight of a large number of people using mobiles to access the net and social media, with the consumer need of seeking platinum jewellery designs and information, to come up with a winning proposition,” said Vaishali Banerjee, country manager India, PGI. “It is great to see to see the response it has generated of what is the first of its kind for the jewellery category.”

The mobile application provides an interactive virtual platform to engage the users and prospective target consumers. The app overcomes the limitations of TV and print and provides a seamless integration of the product gallery via a virtual store, showcasing the wide range of love bands, helps find out ring sizes and allows consumers to view how a ring will look on a hand and in motion. Similarly, the AR programme enables customers to use their mobile phone to visit a platinum showroom virtually.

The achievements of PGI’s digital initiatives for year 2012-2013 include:• Won Gold at Campaign India Digital Crest Awards – Best

Design and Navigation • Won Platinum in the Special Jury Award Category – Work

of Platinum in the field of mobile

More than 1,000 African students were introduced to gem and jewellery education opportunities at the Career Indaba trade show in Johannesburg, as part of the seventh annual Africa Education Week. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) exhibited at the event for the first time, building on its endeavours of bringing industry-leading gemmological and design education to the nations that produce diamonds and other gems. The institute’s representatives met with prospective students, handing out education materials and discussing gemmology and jewellery programme options.

“GIA was new and exciting to the students, and responses about our education programmes have been pouring in since the event,” said Elizabeth Bokaba, GIA’s manager of alumni and client relations in South Africa. “Africa Education Week is an outstanding opportunity to reach students who

• Won the Silver at the Yahoo Big Chair Awards – Best Use of Mobile Advertising (There was no Gold winner in this category)

• Won the Gold at Bangalore Ad Club Big Bang Awards for – Mobile media for Consumer Engagement

• Won the Gold at Bangalore Ad Club Big Bang Awards for – WAP Application

• Won the Gold at Bangalore Ad Club Big Bang Awards for – Augmented Reality

• Won the Silver at Campaign Digital Crest Awards – Best Mobile Wapsite (There was no Gold winner in this category)

wish to enrich their studies. We absolutely plan to return in the future.”

Since 2008, GIA has expanded its presence in Africa, opening two full-time laboratories and offering classes in Gaborone and Johannesburg, establishing partnerships with government agencies and universities throughout the continent, and maintaining a global network of active alumni. Today, there are more than 800 alumni and two GIA Alumni Chapters in Africa.

Many students and schools were also interested in GIA’s Junior Gemologist Program, which gives students from ages 10-15 the opportunity to discover the world of gemmology through hands-on, practical training. Plans are currently underway to expand the programme, which was introduced to Africa in 2012.

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AWDC Launches Online Job Tool The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) recently launched a long-awaited job tool ‘Antwerp Diamond Jobs’. AWDC expects to post an average of 150 job openings online.

AWDC CEO Ari Epstein said, “In 2012, AWDC launched it new strategic plan. One of the main topics in this plan is to maintain and reinforce employment in the Antwerp diamond industry. We noticed that people are not really looking for jobs in a specific diamond company, but they are rather searching for a job in the industry in general. With over 1,800 registered diamond companies in Antwerp, it is very difficult to find an overview of all

relevant vacancies in our industry.”

“Furthermore, this initiative will not only make it easier to find a job, but it will also help the diamond companies in their search to find suitable employees. All diamond companies will be able to post their vacancies online, free of charge. Experienced applicants or people interested to work in our brilliant industry, can consult the listed jobs and apply immediately. ‘Antwerp Diamond Jobs’ will connect potential candidates directly with the companies who post their vacancies”, he added.

In addition, applicants will have free access to the full list of actual vacancies in the Antwerp diamond industry. Potential candidates can also upload and edit their personal profile online.

Mark Van Peel, Alderman for employment in Antwerp commented, “Matching supply and demand,

can be very difficult and challenging in certain industries. Considering the economic importance of the Antwerp diamond industry cannot be underestimated, I am delighted AWDC launches the jobsite ‘Antwerp Diamond Jobs’. Initiatives like this will help to solve the labour market paradox.”

Istanbul Jewelry Show To Be Held In OctoberThe Istanbul Jewelry Show will be held from October 3 to 6, 2013 at the Istanbul Fair Center (CNR Expo). The jewellery and watch show will encompass gold, silver and diamond jewellery as well as precious and coloured gemstones, machinery, tools, equipment, display units, packaging, security devices, and software for industry professionals.

The four-day event will gather over 600 exhibitors from 25 countries with an extensive display of the latest

products and trends. There will be five national and group pavilions from China, Hong Kong, India, Italy and Thailand.

The Istanbul Jewelry Show is an international trade event serving the fast-growing domestic and international markets surrounding Turkey. It is supported by the Istanbul Precious Minerals and Jewellery Exporters' Association (IMMIB), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB), and the Jewellery Exporters’ Association (JTR).


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De Beers Introduces Forward Contract Sales For Auction CustomersDe Beers announced that it will begin providing customers of its rough diamond auctions with an opportunity to determine the volume of goods they wish to purchase, over a given period, through the introduction of forward contract sales.

Approximately 10% of De Beers’ rough diamonds are sold through its auction platform. De Beers will continue to hold spot auction events that provide customers with additional flexibility to purchase the type and quantity of the goods they need.

The introduction of forward contract sales will enable customers to engage in forward planning, and help them meet their business requirements.

In addition, as part of De Beers’ drive to focus on the needs of existing customers while building a long-term offering to emerging market customers in India and the Far East, De Beers will relocate the purchasing,

Italian Technological Innovation On Display In Brazil

Italian manufacturers of precious metal and gemstone machinery recently exhibited at Tecnogold, the Brazilian show for jewellery technology in São Paulo, organised by Sindijoias and IBGM (Brazilian Institute for Gems and Precious Stones).

Fiera di Vicenza, in collaboration with the Italian Machinery and Supplies Association for Jewellery Manufacturing (AFEMO), put together a

Corrigendum: With the reference to the article titled “Angola Conference Celebrates A Milestone” in the July issue of Solitaire, Shantanu Guha Ray attended the Angola Diamond Centenary Conference independently, and not as a guest of the GJEPC.


The main question raised by the Italian companies interested in the Brazilian market was the extremely high rate of tax imposed on imports. In this context IBGM, Sindijoias and FIESP San Pãulo (the equivalent of the Italian Confindustria), promised to make a careful analysis of the situation and to propose a memorandum of understanding which would foresee an authoritative procedure to which

production and sales base for its auctions to Singapore. The move will take effect from November 2013. De Beers will also continue to operate its existing network of auction viewing offices in Antwerp, Israel, Dubai and Hong Kong, through which customers can view diamonds being auctioned and engage with their account managers.

companies would be able to refer in order to reduce entry taxes for temporary importation.

After Tecnogold in San Pãulo, Brazil, the next scheduled event is in December at the Dubai International Jewellery Week in the United Arab Emirates, another important milestone for an internationalisation project that has those markets where demand is higher within its sights.

group of Italian companies representing the districts of Vicenza, Alessandria, Arezzo, Milan, Pavia, Turin, Varese and Verona, as part of the T-GOLD International project, the exhibition concept that offers jewellery producers the chance to discover the latest ideas and products in high-tech gold and jewellery processing. The participating companies expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the event.

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