The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) has announced a co-operative initiative with the world-renowned HRD Institute of Gemmology to conduct comprehensive practical and theoretical diamond training courses at the Exchange.
This is the first time that diamond traders and gemmology students in Dubai have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of diamonds sorting and grading from such a globally recognised institute. The HRD Institute of Gemmology is the educational department of HRD, a leading non-profit diamond-grading laboratory, based in Antwerp, Belgium.
The first course, 'Diamond Grading and Identification', which was held from April 10 to 21, 2005, was attended by leading representatives from the diamond and jewellery trade including RosyBlue, Shalev and Tulip Diamonds, in addition to start-up businesses, members of the exchange and the general public.
Addressing a press conference to announce the tie-up today (Monday, April 25, 2005), Tawfique Abdullah, Chairman of DDE, said, "This partnership with the world-renowned HRD Institute of Gemmology is in line with DDE's vision of bringing international standards in diamond grading and other key aspects of diamond trade to the Middle East region. We are now the sole provider of HRD courses in the UAE and are confident that diamond and jewellery professionals across the region will welcome the opportunity to learn from the experts in the diamond trade, right here in Dubai."
The Dubai chapter of the HRD Institute of Gemmology course covers topics such as the '4Cs - carat, colour, clarity and cut', 'External and internal characteristics of diamonds', 'Measuring inclusions' and 'Diamond Treating Identification'. The trainees are also given practical workshops in grading and sorting diamonds. On passing, students receive certificates from the HRD Institute of Gemmology in Antwerp.
Noora Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Diamond Exchange added, "Offering internationally recognised training is integral to raising standards and enabling local jewellery traders to compete at an international level. We will continue to work with HRD to offer a wide variety of courses on topics ranging from rough diamonds to polished diamonds."
"HRD has been committed to serving the international diamond industry for several decades. The DDE has been the driving force in promoting the diamond industry in the Middle East, and we are excited to work with them to further raise standards in the region. Together, we hope to provide the required skills and training to beginners as well as professional diamond graders and traders. We will be running a variety of courses consistent with the International Diamond Council rules for grading of polished diamonds," said Chris Swolf, Director, HRD.
-Ends-
About Dubai Metals and Commodities Center
About DDE:
Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) is a creation of the DMCC, a strategic government initiative, which is establishing Dubai as a diamond trading and value-adding centre of global significance alongside leading international diamond centres. Under a free status, DMCC will accommodate every facet of business-manufacturing, trade, education, certification and technology. Streamlining the trade with global standards and protecting the legitimate diamond industry, DDE has been instrumental in implementing the Kimberley process certification scheme in the U.A.E and has recently become a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
About HRD:
The HRD was established in 1973 and is the official representative of the Antwerp World Diamond Center. It is one of the leaders in 'Diamond Certificates' with a leading research department, which develops regular programs in support of consumer confidence. The HRD Certificates department has grown into one of the largest and most respected diamond grading labs worldwide.
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
PO Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
© Press Release 2005
