MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
SourcingNov 21, 2016
From Dubai, A Puzzling Press Release Follows KP Plenary
The Kimberley Process chair touted the passage of two “historic” agreements but others are saying that’s actually not what happened at the meeting.
Incoming Kimberley Process Chair Robert Owen-Jones (left), current Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem and World Diamond Council President Andrey Polyakov at the recent KP plenary meeting in Dubai. The chair said following the plenary that two major proposals passed, but the official record of the meeting indicates otherwise.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--Following the Kimberley Process plenary meeting in Dubai, the KP chair nation touted the passage of two “historic” proposals, which would be a huge step for a process that’s perennially unable to move forward on substantive issues.
The only problem: It doesn’t seem that either of the agreements actually passed.
On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates sent out a press release stating that at the meeting, members of the KP had reached a “historic agreement,” voting to approve the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the process and a proposal to establish a common fund for its Civil Society Coalition, the group of NGOs involved in the process.
The release, which was picked up by trade websites IDEX Online and Rapaport, quoted KP Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem as saying that, “The historic decisions made today will have an enduring impact on the long-term sustainability of the KP and the diamond industry. We are very proud of the way that the KP family has come together to enact these vital proposals that will lend greater structure and transparency to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. I look forward to working closely with the next KP chair to ensure these initiatives are implemented efficiently and effectively.”
The release also stated that both proposals would go before the United Nations General Assembly for adoption before the end of the year.
However, several people with knowledge of the situation told National Jeweler that neither of these proposals passed at the meeting, with one observer calling the UAE’s press release a “mischaracterization” that is “quite unprecedented.”
The final communiqué from the meeting posted on the KP website backs this up, as it states that the plenary “recognized the effort and took note of” these two proposals made by the KP chair and “looked forward to continued discussion of these proposals under the incoming chair.”
It states nothing about either proposal passing, and their alleged “historic” passage also wasn’t mentioned by World Diamond Council President Andrey Polyakov in his closing remarks at the plenary.
In fact, according to a transcript of those remarks shared with National Jeweler, Polyakov said: “We believe it is necessary to work further on key initiatives such as the establishment of a permanent secretariat and an independent fund for financing the participation of NGOs.”
When asked about the discrepancy between the press release and others’ accounts of the meeting, a spokesman for the KP
chair said on Friday, “The principles were adopted as reflected in the Final Communique, and will now need to be worked out further in detail. Per procedure, all that was adopted in the final communique goes for approval in a UN resolution. Without an annual UN resolution, the KP stops to exist.”
The KP chair did not respond when pressed further on the issue.
Dan Thomas, a spokesman for the president of the UN General Assembly, did not respond to multiple inquiries regarding the KP.
The press release distributed by the KP chair following the plenary caps off a year in which Bin Sulayem has been very active, traveling to multiple diamond-producing countries, initiating a series of workshops on rough diamond valuation, and pushing the ideas of both a permanent secretariat and funding for the Civil Society Coalition.
In addition, 2016 marked the resumption of rough diamond exports from several areas of the Central African Republic, a nation that had been suspended from the KP since 2013.
But the year has also been one in which Bin Sulayem’s statements to the press have been called into question multiple times, including this one regarding the KP Civil Society Coalition just before the plenary.
And Bin Sulayem has been unable to mend fences with the coalition, which stood by its year-long boycott of the process and still is undecided on what it will do in 2017, said Zuzia Danielski, a spokesperson for Partnership Africa Canada, a coordinator for the coalition.
At the plenary, the KP did vote to readmit Venezuela, which voluntarily withdrew in 2008.
KP members also came to an agreement that Australia would be the next nation to head the process.
Robert Owen-Jones, who is the assistant secretary of the Australian Competitiveness Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will be representing his country as chair.
Also at the plenary, the KP selected vice chairs for the next two years.
The European Union was tapped for the position in 2017 and India for 2018. This means the EU is in line to chair the process in 2018, followed by India in 2019.
In a press release sent out by the WDC following the meeting, Polyakov called the selection of two vice chairs an “extremely important precedent” that “will allow the KP to look ahead even further, empowering the stability and consistency of the organization.”
The KP chair did not respond when pressed further on the issue.
Dan Thomas, a spokesman for the president of the UN General Assembly, did not respond to multiple inquiries regarding the KP.
The press release distributed by the KP chair following the plenary caps off a year in which Bin Sulayem has been very active, traveling to multiple diamond-producing countries, initiating a series of workshops on rough diamond valuation, and pushing the ideas of both a permanent secretariat and funding for the Civil Society Coalition.
In addition, 2016 marked the resumption of rough diamond exports from several areas of the Central African Republic, a nation that had been suspended from the KP since 2013.
But the year has also been one in which Bin Sulayem’s statements to the press have been called into question multiple times, including this one regarding the KP Civil Society Coalition just before the plenary.
And Bin Sulayem has been unable to mend fences with the coalition, which stood by its year-long boycott of the process and still is undecided on what it will do in 2017, said Zuzia Danielski, a spokesperson for Partnership Africa Canada, a coordinator for the coalition.
At the plenary, the KP did vote to readmit Venezuela, which voluntarily withdrew in 2008.
KP members also came to an agreement that Australia would be the next nation to head the process.
Robert Owen-Jones, who is the assistant secretary of the Australian Competitiveness Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will be representing his country as chair.
Also at the plenary, the KP selected vice chairs for the next two years.
The European Union was tapped for the position in 2017 and India for 2018. This means the EU is in line to chair the process in 2018, followed by India in 2019.
In a press release sent out by the WDC following the meeting, Polyakov called the selection of two vice chairs an “extremely important precedent” that “will allow the KP to look ahead even further, empowering the stability and consistency of the organization.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
