CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
SourcingDec 07, 2017
Ahead of KP Plenary, the WDC Calls for Productive Dialogue
Kimberley Process participants need to start talking about broadening the scope of the process, the World Diamond Council’s acting president said.
New York--The World Diamond Council is calling for productive dialogue and the need for reform in the Kimberley Process ahead of the KP’s annual meeting, which is scheduled to begin Friday in Australia.
Speaking via conference call Wednesday morning, acting WDC President Stephane Fischler told reporters that there are three areas in need of reform within the KP, and No. 1 is broadening the scope of the process.
Currently, the KP defines “conflict” diamonds as those used by rebel groups to fund conflict against legitimate governments. But, as Fischler noted Wednesday, “We [the WDC] believe the nature of conflict has changed and so the scope should realign with that.”
In an interview via phone with National Jeweler later in the day, he elaborated.
The situation today is that there is less much rebel activity, Fischler said, and much more systematic, disruptive violence, particularly in artisanal diamond mining areas.
Members of the KP need to start listening more carefully to the countries where this type of violence is happening and work to make a difference on the ground, he said.
And the process itself needs to become more proactive than reactive, flagging areas of diamond production when the situation becomes unstable, instead of waiting until actual conflict has broken out.
The expanded definition was voted down at the meeting held in Washington that November.
Fischler told National Jeweler Wednesday that he doesn’t know if that vote was against the inclusion of human rights language so much as it was a “generic reluctance” to change the core focus of the definition, given that the KP has been very successful in doing what it set out to do--eradicate conflict diamonds as originally defined.
He said what the WDC is putting on the table now is broader--examining the general scope of the process, not just narrowly focusing on putting in more human rights language--and the organization isn’t looking to get bogged down in semantics. It’s open to all discussions on how to expand the KP’s reach.
While the WDC represents the diamond industry in the KP, the body does not have a vote; only the 81 countries that are KP members do. And under the KP’s complete consensus model, passing anything requires all 81 countries to agree to it.
When
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
asked how difficult he thinks it will be to pass a measure expanding the scope of the KP at the upcoming meeting, Fischler said the WDC doesn’t expect to come away from the plenary with a decision. The WDC is merely looking to start the discussion.
“This isn’t a 48-hour or even a week’s discussion,” he said. “This is an incremental progress type of debate.”
On Wednesday’s call with reporters, Fischler addressed another area of reform that is needed within the KP: the establishment of a permanent secretariat based in a neutral country.
As it stands, an administrative support mechanism is in place to handle the operational aspects of the Kimberley Process. It is a function that’s reassigned every year as the chair of the process is passed from country to country. (Australia is the 2017 chair nation. Next year, Vice Chair the European Union is set to take over and India will become vice chair.)
He said a permanent secretariat will ensure more continuity, essentially giving the KP a “memory,” and that all member countries should contribute toward the cost of funding it.
The idea of a permanent secretariat is one that has been on the table for a couple of years.
At last year’s plenary, confusion surrounded the vote on this issue.
Following the meeting, the UAE, which chaired the process last year, issued a press release heralding that the KP had reached a “historic agreement” that included voting to approve the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the process.
The issue, however, still seems to be on the table, given that its passage is one of the WDC’s list of needed reforms for the process.
Asked about the confusion surrounding the vote at last year’s plenary, Fischler said, “The idea was launched; it wasn’t worked out in the way that I believe it’s worked out now.”
The KP Plenary is scheduled to start this Friday, Dec. 9 and continue until the 14th in Brisbane, Australia.
“This isn’t a 48-hour or even a week’s discussion,” he said. “This is an incremental progress type of debate.”
On Wednesday’s call with reporters, Fischler addressed another area of reform that is needed within the KP: the establishment of a permanent secretariat based in a neutral country.
As it stands, an administrative support mechanism is in place to handle the operational aspects of the Kimberley Process. It is a function that’s reassigned every year as the chair of the process is passed from country to country. (Australia is the 2017 chair nation. Next year, Vice Chair the European Union is set to take over and India will become vice chair.)
He said a permanent secretariat will ensure more continuity, essentially giving the KP a “memory,” and that all member countries should contribute toward the cost of funding it.
The idea of a permanent secretariat is one that has been on the table for a couple of years.
At last year’s plenary, confusion surrounded the vote on this issue.
Following the meeting, the UAE, which chaired the process last year, issued a press release heralding that the KP had reached a “historic agreement” that included voting to approve the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the process.
The issue, however, still seems to be on the table, given that its passage is one of the WDC’s list of needed reforms for the process.
Asked about the confusion surrounding the vote at last year’s plenary, Fischler said, “The idea was launched; it wasn’t worked out in the way that I believe it’s worked out now.”
The KP Plenary is scheduled to start this Friday, Dec. 9 and continue until the 14th in Brisbane, Australia.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
