The World Diamond Council welcomes four new members
AUROSTAR
Building on a legacy that started in the 1960s, the Aurostar group is today helmed by third generation diamantaires. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and also operating in Gaborone, Botswana; New York, USA; and Hong Kong, their focus is on sourcing and manufacturing in producing countries with distribution in the key diamond consumer markets.
Aurostar’s Botswana factory combines the skill of artisans with top-tier technology to produce 1-carat+ diamonds. It is the largest producer of fancies and proprietary makes in the country, where the company has enabled its growth, and at the same time increased the positive impact it has on the local communities, while minimizing any negative impacts on the environment.
Aurostar is dedicated, now even more than ever, to a responsible diamond pipeline. It is a concept to which it has been committed to from its inception, and joining the WDC feels like a natural extension to demonstrate its significance.
Arpan Mehta, Managing Director, Aurostar Diamonds
GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.
Dedicated to its mission to protect consumers around the globe, GIA works every day to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry through research, education, laboratory services and instrument development.
Susan M. Jacques, President and Chief Executive Officer, GIA.
Thomas M. Moses, Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, GIA.
Pritesh Patel, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, GIA.
Johanna Levy, Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance Programs, GIA.
NIRU GROUP
Founded in 1979, NIRU is infused with a family spirit and a passionate commitment to creating a positive impact on people and the planet. Its embedded mission of “Spreading Happiness” in every creation and interaction, with love and transparency, guides it its purpose of forging a “Happy & Sustainable Supply Chain.” Each facet of its business bolsters an ambitious ESG 2030 roadmap.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the NIRU Group grew from a leading and trusted diamond manufacturer, renowned for precision cutting baguettes, fancy shapes and melees, to a full-service provider for the luxury watch and jewelry industry.
Ranjeet Barmecha, NIRU’s Founder and CEO
With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, NIRU ensures complete traceability through vertical integration. Its savoir-faire encompasses diamond and colored stones precision cutting, as well as craftsmanship of watch and jewelry – from 3D design, CNC manufacturing, to the final steps of jewelry, setting, polishing and product assembly.
Rakesh Barmecha, President, NIRU.
Keren Benjo, Chief Operating Officer, NIRU.
RICHOLD S.A.
Since 1968, Richold S.A. has established itself as a major player in the manufacturing and distribution of diamonds for luxury watchmaking groups and brands.
Specializing in the cutting and supply of small, high-quality diamonds, the family-owned group has capitalized on its reputation and values. Today, it employs several thousand qualified, committed people with real know-how in the main hubs of the diamond sector.
Always at the forefront, Richold anticipates market developments and meets the requirements of major brands.
The required precision has been integrated into Richold’s cutting and polishing factories, guaranteeing a perfection that has made its reputation with the most prestigious houses. This commitment to excellence and innovation is reflected in each of its products.
In 2008, it was among the first companies to join the Responsible Jewellery Council, adopting ethical and responsible standards that have now become inseparable from its image.
Richold leads the way in KP SoW compliance, stone naturality, traceability, source of origin labeling and environmental commitment. It is proud to be at the forefront of these critical issues for the future of the industry.
