31st of March, 2015
The De Beers Group of Companies is pleased to announce the opening of the newest and
most technologically advanced Forevermark diamond inscription and grading operation in
the world – the International Institute of Diamond Grading and Inscription facility in Surat, India. The facility is a $10 million investment by De Beers and has been equipped with leading proprietary diamond technology.
The facility represents a major investment in Surat, a world-class diamond cutting and
polishing centre characterised by skill, innovation and the effective use of technology.
Its primary purpose will be to select and inscribe Forevermark diamonds with the unique
serial number that symbolises the Forevermark promise; and to deliver an accurate and
reliable grading service for Forevermark diamonds. At full capacity it will be able to process$500 million of diamonds annually.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Philippe Mellier, Chief Executive, De Beers Group said:“An important investment by De Beers In world-leading technology, which will be an
important resource for the Indian diamond trade and will cement Surat’s position at the
heart of our industry.
While the facility will initially focus on Forevermark grading, we will also look into the
potential to widen the service in the future as another way of supporting the surrounding
diamond community.”
Also present at the inauguration was Stephen Lussier, CEO, Forevermark who added: “This facility will offer an improved service for Indian diamantaires and for Forevermark retailers here in India and abroad. We can now envisage a future where polished diamonds from around the world come to Surat to benefit from this world-leading facility. ”
ABOUT FOREVERMARK
Every Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a promise; a promise that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Less than one per cent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond and be inscribed with the Forevermark icon and individual number. Forevermark is the diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies and benefits from over 126 years of diamond expertise. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to high standards; they are beautifully crafted by a select group of Diamantaires and exclusively available from select Authorised Forevermark Jewellers. For more information and to find your nearest Authorised Forevermark Jeweller offering Forevermark Diamonds, go to www.forevermark.com
ABOUT THE DE BEERS GROUP OF COMPANIES
De Beers is a member of the Anglo American group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world’s leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people (directly and as contractors) across the diamond pipeline, and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Living up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about De Beers visit www.debeersgroup.com
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIAMOND GRADING & RESEARCH
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research has been established by The De Beers Group of Companies to provide a premium inscription and grading services and proprietary equipment to the diamond industry. Based in the UK, Belgium and India, offers a range of expert services and specialises in the development of industry-leading verification instruments. For further information about the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research visit www.iidgr.com