Press Release: The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) issued a statement today spurred by the recent article, entitled "The Diamond Industry's Sad Lack of Leadership," written by JCK Magazine's eminent senior editor Rob Bates. Bates takes the diamond industry to task for not dealing with the burning reputational issues that are on the agenda, expressing concern that if these reputational issues are not confronted, the industry may find itself lagging behind and losing market share.
DMIA's president, Ronnie VanderLinden, welcomed Bates' remarks, saying the industry needs editors of his stature to send the occasional "wake-up call."
However, he pointed out that DMIA has consistently and continuously been at the forefront of the U.S. diamond industry's efforts to address and eliminate reputational risks.
"Bates wrote that 'sadly, instead of big issues, industry politics is now all about egos and snubs and slights and fights that make the trade look small. And certain groups and actors, instead of creating new accomplishments, now take greater pride in knocking things down,'" VanderLinden said.
"While he makes valid points, at the DMIA we have steadfastly acted for generations not only to protect our industry but also to be proactive on ethics.
''We abhor violence and are very concerned about human rights beyond 'reputational risks.' During the past decade, DMIA has worked collaboratively with fellow American organizations. These include the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Jewelers of America (JA), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers Association (MJSA), the American Gem Society (AGS) and other organizations not only discussing issues but in writing, for example, clear and unambiguous policies regarding the Kimberley Process Certification System. This is exemplified by the active and leading role DMIA took in co-authoring the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol," he stated.
"It is important to note that that we have been heavily criticized by some members of the international diamond community for taking this position and advocating it as a voluntary protocol that we feel should be adopted globally. But we will not compromise on this issue" he added.
Rick Cohen, DMIA's director of communications, added, "DMIA's generational leadership should be commended for the selfless and tireless work they have done and continue to do on behalf of the industry. Our honorary president, Jeffrey Fischer, currently serves as JVC's president and GIA governor after fulfilling several terms as DMIA president during times of serious crisis - reputational, economical, and moral. Indeed a high percentage of our leadership is made up of third or fourth generation DMIA members, who have learned from our fathers and grandfathers lessons of working in the global community," he said.
"Our most recent past president, Ronny Friedman, and our incumbent president, have been and continue to commute regularly to Washington D.C. at the invitation of the United States Department of State which seeks out DMIA to actively participate in order to move the process forward. Our involvement with JVC, JA, the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI), the United Nations' Women for Peace, Project Rise, along with our work with NGOs, among them Global Witness, Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) and others, offer tangible proof of our commitment and actions to bring about positive change, " he elaborated.
Cohen concluded that "every board member of DMIA works as a volunteer. Our work is for the benefit of our membership, the American diamond and jewelry industry, and the global community."
About the DMIA
The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), established in 1931, is the leading organization of America's premier diamond manufacturers, importers and dealers. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the American marketplace. DMIA is among the leaders in addressing domestic and world diamond industry issues, and acts as a representative of the American diamond industry with other industry organizations and government bodies. DMIA is dedicated to the advancement and assurance of consumer confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry.
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