“Riva 170th Anniversary” exhibition. Photo: Francesco Rastrelli/Facebook Riva Yacht
Riva, which describes itself as the world’s most iconic shipbuilder, has been making sailing style and design an art form since 1842. Craftmanship, unmatchable quality, innovation and artistry have always been Riva’s hallmark. Carlo Riva said his boats were “designed with love”.
For many years Lia Riva, Carlo’s daugter, and Monaco Boat Service have championed a variety of artistic projects in Monaco and across the French Riviera. Monaco Boat Service (MBS) is an official partner of Art Monte-Carlo and Festival Printemps des Arts, both of which are annual highlights in Monaco’s cultural calendar.
The third edition of Artmonte-carlo will take place on April 28 and 29 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco under the High Patronage of Prince Albert. This salon d’art aims to create a rich dialogue between the art market and the institutional world.
Monaco Boat Service will host a celebratory evening at the iconic Riva Tunnel in Port Hercules on Thursday, April 26. The evening, curated in partnership with Artmonte-carlo and Nomad, will bring together artistic talents and luminaries. A performance piece created by artist Arabeschi di Latte and inspired by Riva’s maritime heritage and the design of the iconic “Aquarama” will premiere.
A photographic exhibition by Gabriele Basilico and Marsio Cresci created in partnership with Officina Italiana Design will be on display at Grimaldi Forum. The exhibition beautifully documents the Riva shipyard in Sarnico, Italy, and the studio-laboratory of modern day Riva designers Officina Italiana Design.
Over March and April, The Riva Tunnel will have played host to three evening concerts of glorious music. Ushering in the annual Festival Printemps des Arts, the concerts will showcase a new generation of young performers, stepping forward to take their rightful place on the world stage. The Riva family and Monaco Boat Service stand – Riva MBS – proud as supporters of the arts, encouraging new links between design, art and music.
Since 1959, MBS has played a vital role in the daily life and business of Monaco. The exclusive Riva dealer for France and the Principality, MBS with its landing stages and hidden treasure – the Riva tunnel – is home to some of the world’s most beautiful boats.
No stranger to famous passengers, Riva owners have included Princess Grace of Monaco, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, to name a few.
On Tuesday, April 24, Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations, received, at a luncheon held at the Hermitage Hotel, HE Alain Francis Gustave Ilboudo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Burkina Faso; HE Isabelle Hudon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada; HE Elio Eduardo Rodriguez Perdomo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba; and HE Emil Druc, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova, who had presented their Letters of Credence to the Sovereign Prince in the morning.
After four years spent in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Foreign Affairs Advisor, HE Alain Francis Gustave Ilboudo joined, in 1993, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso (MAE) of which he became Director of Political Affairs, then Counsellor Technical. He was then appointed, First Counsellor at his country’s Embassy in Copenhagen, in 1999, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy in Paris, in 2001, Ambassador, Secretary General of the MFA in 2006, and Ambassador to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and finally Chile.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2008, HE Isabelle Hudon joined Sun Life Financial Quebec in 2010 as President. She was among the top finalists in the Top 25 of Quebec’s Financial Industry, Finance and Investment and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She is co-founder of a movement to strengthen the presence of women in the business world.
HE Elio Eduardo Rodriguez Perdomo began his diplomatic career in 1990 at the Cuban Ministry of External Relations. In 1998, he joined the Cuban Embassy in France as First Counsellor, and in July 2001 he was promoted to Cuban Ambassador to the Netherlands. He was subsequently appointed to Belgium and Luxembourg. In 2004, he returned to the Cuban Ministry of External Relations where he became Deputy Director of Europe, then Director of Europe and Canada.
HE Dr Emil Druc has spent a large part of his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, as Deputy Director, at the Europe Directorate, then at the Directorate of International Organizations. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration in 2006, where he will occupy the position of Director for Multilateral Cooperation from 2015 to 2017. He was promoted Ambassador of Moldova to Sweden in 2010.
Monaco-based Dynagas LNG Partners, an owner and operator of LNG carriers, said on April 24 that its Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution of $0.5625 per unit on its Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units for the period from February 12, 2018 to May 11, 2018.
The cash distribution is payable on May 14, 2018, to all preferred unit holders of record as of May 5, 2018. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 12th day of February, May, August and November of each year, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. This is the eleventh sequential cash distribution on the Series A Preferred Units since they began trading on the NYSE.
The Partnership has 3,000,000 Series A Preferred Units outstanding. Dynagas LNG Partners LP is a growth-oriented master limited partnership formed by Dynagas Holding Ltd, its sponsor, to own and operate liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers employed on multi-year charters. The Partnership’s current fleet consists of six LNG carriers, with aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 914,000 cubic metres.
Michel Dotta, Chairman of the Monaco Economic Board
ML: Could you tell us a little about your professional background, and how you came to be Chairman of the Monaco Economic Board (MEB)? MD: I have been Chairman of the MEB since July 2009. Appointed to the MEB Board of Directors as a representative of the Monaco Government, I am very involved in the Principality’s social and economic daily life. As an estate agent since 1975 (Dotta Immobilier SAM), I am also President of the Monaco Real Estate Chamber, among other positions.
ML: What does your role as Chairman entail? Who makes up the MEB Board? MD: Being Chairman of the MEB is quite a full-time job! Briefly, this requires having an in-depth knowledge of the economic fabric of Monaco, its companies and entrepreneurs, to best support them in developing their local and international networks. Getting results is key.
With members* drawn from companies, professional bodies and State institutions, the MEB’s Board represents nearly all economic stakeholders in the Principality. On the one hand, the Board ensures the association runs smoothly – from an administrative, personal and financial point of view – and on the other, it’s responsible for evaluating results from the MEB’s past actions and for developing future action strategies.
ML: Can you share the history and some key facts and figures about MEB? MD: Set up in 1999 at the instigation of the Monaco Government, the principal mission of the MEB, then called the Monaco Chamber of Economic Development (CED), an association under private law, is to promote Monaco’s economy and business community. It helps facilitate contacts between Monaco entrepreneurs and their counterparts abroad.
Michel Pastor was the first Chairman (1999-2006). He developed the organisation by bringing together Monegasque professionals for operational events in Monaco and abroad. His successor Franck Biancheri (2006-2009) consolidated these achievements and was responsible for developing the mission to prospect for investors.
When I took over in 2009, I continued the work of my predecessors by focusing on expanding networks and activities between all those involved in Monaco’s economy (Team Monaco), the purpose being to maximise the impact of our events organised abroad.
To this end, in 2015 new targets were set to expand the association’s activities in the service of growing Monaco’s economy. After several months of strategic reflection with the Palace and Monaco Government, the CED became the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), thereby clarifying its position as a tool dedicated to member companies and Monaco’s dynamic economy. Under the aegis of the MEB, Monaco Chamber of Commerce and Monaco Invest play a functional role, constituting two separate departments which meet different needs and clarify the messages we want to impart.
The MEB, which is Monaco’s National Committee to the ICC since 2001 (ICC MONACO), currently has 500 company members and continues to grow, and organises 50 events a year on average in Monaco and abroad.
B2B meetings at Trade Mission to Baku November 6-9, 2016. Photo: Mammad Rahimov
ML: What were some of MEB’s key missions and accomplishments last year? What are your missions for 2018 (Sweden, for example)? MD: As mentioned, we aim to organise around 50 events every year, which we managed to do in 2017 despite the complex economic climate and a great deal of political uncertainty.
Our quarterly networking Members Rendezvous were extremely successful, with over 250 members attending. These are to promote local businesses and networking.
But 2017 was really a record year for our Trade Missions as we organised six!
The MEB worked hard to offer a diverse, high quality tailor-made programme. This approach will bear fruit, as many projects were initiated following these trips.
In 2018 we aim to organise Trade Missions to Stockholm, Frankfurt, Beijing and Hanoi to give our members as many networking opportunities as possible.
ML:Describe the Monegasque business community and the type of support offered by the Monaco Chamber of Commerce (MCC). MD: Monaco is a dynamic platform. GDP is €5.85 billion with growth of 3.2%. The GDP per capita at €72,000 is one of the highest in the world. GDP per employee is €111,500.
Monaco hosts more than 5,000 companies, largely composed of SMEs with a focus on services. They are high added value and non-polluting and hire 52,000 employees on this territory of 2km2.
They are businessmen and women from diverse backgrounds: 139 nationalities. Lots of them are experts in their field who chose to settle in Monaco to live and work, having achieved success elsewhere. Expertise, quality and diversity ensure our solid economic base: leaders in their field, specialised in a region, country or continent – together they operate in all four corners of the planet!
The Monaco Chamber of Commerce supports the development of Monaco companies on a local and international level by organising activities and offering them a range of services. These include trade missions abroad, as well as conferences and special events in Monaco, and access to various networks such as Monaco’s Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and Chambers of Commerce worldwide, etc.
ML: Monaco Invest seeks and accompanies foreign investors to set up in business in Monaco. What types of business do you encourage to set up in Monaco? MD: First of all, as you know, space is an issue in Monaco, so we are targeting companies who may not need much space to develop. That is why the priorities mentioned above are also the right ones.
Secondly, we are looking to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and businessmen notably in the fields of innovation, environment and sustainable development especially, with the arrival of the incubator-accelerator startup program, MonacoTech. We believe these will be vital fields in the years to come, combined with the sectors that are already thriving such as finance & insurance, corporate services, hospitality and retail, real estate and construction, and international trade.
Shipping and yachting are smaller but also budding sectors that we are promoting strongly. For example, Monaco Invest will be present at both the Dubai International Boat Show, for the first time, and Singapore Yacht Show this year alongside major players in yachting and the Cluster Yachting Monaco.
ML: How do Family Offices and Multi Family Offices fit into Monaco’s business vision? MD: Finance and Insurance are one of the most important sectors in Monaco (16.8% of GDP). With 30-plus banking establishments, more than 50 asset management companies and over €110 billion of assets managed (by the Monegasque Banking and Finance Centre), Monaco has acquired strong expertise in this sector. Well-regulated and internationally recognised, Monaco as a financial centre enjoys a stable environment, appropriate infrastructure, and experts.
Because of the above, we believe that Family Offices can find the right talent, infrastructure and relevant ecosystem to flourish in. Monaco Invest plays a part with Monaco For Finance (the promotional arm of AMAF – Monaco Association for Financial Activities) organising tailored events internationally to explain why Monaco is an ideal location for such entities.
ML: What are some misconceptions people have about Monaco’s economy and what Monaco has to offer business investors? MD: Monaco may be famous for being a glamorous place (Grand Prix, Casino, etc.), but if you look more closely you will discover a balanced and diversified economy, thanks to the vision of a succession of Princes of Monaco.
This provides a unique stability to Monaco. It is a key factor in our prosperity and enables us to deal better with crises. For example, finance and insurance represents 16.8% of GDP; scientific & technical activities, administrative and support services (corporate) 14.9%; construction 12.7%; hospitality and retail 12.5%; international trade 9.6%; real estate 8.7%; administration, education, health and social welfare 7.2%; industry 4.9%; personal services 4.7%; information communication (mainly ICT) 4.4%; and lastly transport/storage 3.5%.
It’s a sustainable model due in part to the fact it is a debt-free economy with reserve funds equal to four years of state expenditure (two in liquid assets) and a balanced budget (€1 billion) of which 30% on average has been invested in infrastructure and amenities over the last 50 years.
Monaco also enjoys unrivalled political stability (seven centuries), but also social and fiscal – which is not to say there is no tax: indirect rather than direct taxation is the favoured route. VAT at under 20% represents 50% of state revenue.
The balance we have between a free-market economy and the social welfare of our people is unique. With regards to fiscal transparency and cooperation, Monaco has a structure in place to combat money laundering and terrorism financing which is unanimously recognised by international bodies like FATF (Financial Action Task Force) and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
Major projects (for example, the land extension on the sea) comply with environmental restrictions to meet the growing needs of residents and investors. More generally, our policy promotes renewable energy and sustainable mobility, the goal being to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050.
Ours is also an international business environment where 139 nationalities comprise an extensive and accessible business network on 2km2 that is very accessible. The location is ideal, near Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport, the second busiest hub for business aviation.
Being situated in the heart of the Mediterranean basin and part of the Euro Zone, Monaco is a gateway to Africa, and has international influence abroad through an extensive diplomatic and consular corps.
The quality of life is unique, and it is not just about the mild climate and strategic location between sea and mountains. Monaco is also a multi-cultural place where 37, 308 inhabitants from 139 nationalities live in harmony, and enjoy a maximum level of security (1 policeman per 70 residents and a highly effective CCTV system), excellent health care and education systems, and a packed cultural and social calendar of international events (700 a year). And finally, 25% of the country is green spaces and 30% of electricity is green – ecology is second nature.
MEB Members Rendezvous – Networking Cocktail at the Monaco Yacht Club. Photo: Stéphane Danna/Realis
ML: What does it mean to be a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)? MD: The International Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organisation working to promote international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth to the benefit of all.
As a member of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce), the MEB is also the Monegasque National Committee within this global organisation.
ML: What is the advantage of becoming a MEB member? MD: We can help MEB members connect with business people, to foster new business links and relationships both nationally, regionally and internationally.
Moreover, through our link and membership with the ICC, we give MEB members access to all the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the world.
And if that’s not enough, we also provide access to networks such as Monaco’s Diplomatic and Consular Corps worldwide.
Article first published March 5, 2018. *Composition of the MEB Board:
Appointed MEB members: State representatives & Members of Right
APPOINTED BY MINISTERIAL ORDER
Michel Dotta: Chairman, Monaco Economic Board
Serge Pierryves: General Manager, Expansion Economique
EX-OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVES
Jean-François Cullieyrier: AMAF, Association Monégasque des Activités Financières
Gilles Lenzlinger: FEDEM, Fédération des Entreprises Monégasques
Thierry Chausse: JCE, Jeune Chambre Economique de Monaco
Jean-Humbert Croci: OECM, Ordre des Expert-Comptables de Monaco
Elected MEB members:companies & professional associations
CATEGORY 1
Donald Manasse: Donald Manasse Law Offices
Philippe Ortelli: EMT, Entreprise Monégasque de Travaux
Martin Péronnet: Monaco Telecom
Federica Nardoni-Spinetta: Beach & Cashmere Monaco
CATEGORY 2
Stéphane Giaccardi: GEIT, Groupement d’Etude des Industries de Transformation de la Principauté de Monaco
Nicolas Matile: UCAM, Union des Commerçants et des Artisans de Monaco
On Friday, April 27, the Department of the Environment will conduct a test to measure the noise reduction levels of anti-noise barriers recently installed in Fontvieille.
Starting at 6 am, a loudspeaker will broadcast continuously over a period of 15 to 30 minutes a standard sound called “pink noise”, similar to that of a torrent or a waterfall. Acoustic measurements will be made on both sides of the protective panels.
“We strive to reduce nuisances to the maximum and are constantly looking for new devices that can help reduce them,” said Jean-Luc Puyo, Director of Urban Planning (DAU).
Valérie Davenet, Director of the Environment, added: “To accurately evaluate the effectiveness of these noise barriers, it’s important to perform this test very early in the morning, in an environment without any noise pollution.”
These “green wall” sound barriers were installed by the DAU at the same time as road works on Quai Jean-Charles Rey. Their goal: to reduce noise pollution that can impact residents, port users and passers-by.
In the second part of this interview, industry insider Antonio Cecere, Principal of Cecere Monaco and Founder of Monaco Diamond Exchange, talks about his experience at Baselworld 2018 with a focus on jewellery.
ML: How was Baselworld this year and what are the highlights in haute joaillerie? AC: In high-end jewellery, Graff is renowned for creating unique pieces that are set to become timeless classics. The foundation of Graff remains that of acquiring important diamonds and this year they will be cutting and polishing the 1,190 carats Lesedi La Rona, the largest gem-quality rough diamond discovered in over 100 years. Their vertical integration, from rough to retail, defines this jeweller and “puts them in control of their own destiny” as Francois Graff, CEO, recognised during Baselworld 2018.
This year the brand unveiled a collection of jewels featuring the Graff Bow. Showcasing multiple layers of diamonds and vibrant coloured gemstones, they are intricately designed and set to appear as if the strands have been tied by hand.
Graff sapphire and diamond Bow necklace featuring a 21.61 carats cushion shape sapphire (Sapphires 89.12cts, Diamonds 31.69cts)
The seamless hand-tied effect is the result of a close collaboration between Graff’s design team and master craftsmen and achieved by setting sculpted rows of tapered baguette diamonds alongside pavé diamonds, which curve and undulate to create a life-like bow. The result is exquisite: sculptural yet fluid and delicate.
Graff Bow open diamond necklace (Diamonds 18.46cts)
ML: This year de Grisogono had their 25th birthday, how did they celebrate it at Baselworld? AC: Naturally, this is an important anniversary for the Geneva-based brand and they set up an exhibition that took visitors through the creative process of Founder and Creative Director Fawaz Gruosi, who was present at the event. A white oversized ribbon on a red carpet indicated the path to follow; we were guided through the jewels and explained the stimuli that inspired the designer: “I think in Volumes, I design in Light, I imagine in Colours.”
De Grisogono exhibition for the 25 years anniversary at Baselworld 2018.Inspirational vitrines at the de Grisogono exhibition at Baselworld 2018.
Fawaz Gruosi created the first Allegra ring from his inspiration of free-spirited and ambitious young women, and named the collection after Allegra, his oldest daughter and muse. The Allegra Collection symbolises joy and exuberance, passions and desires: it is the first de Grisogono Fine Jewellery collection. Alternating polished and gemset bands, it’s emblematic of an aesthetic that is apparently simple, yet its structure is in fact complex and demands technical mastery in the making.
De Grisogono Allegra Classic Earrings in 18K pink gold set with 446 colorless diamonds (8.60 Ct). Allegra Classic Ring in 18K pink gold set with 210 colorless diamonds (5.44 Ct)
The Millefoglie Collection is a joy of technical knowhow and sheer imagination achieved by layering slim strips of gold hemmed with diamonds – at once united and yet independent from each other. Each motif is mobile and the movement of one sweeps the others’ into the dance: a gentle geometrical effect playing on symmetry and asymmetry.
De Grisogono Millefoglie Earrings in 18K pink gold set with 480 colorless diamonds (12.50 Ct). De Grisogono Millefoglie Ring in 18K pink gold set with 131 white diamonds (4.50 Ct)
Melody Of Colours is a collection of unique creations that is rich in details, opulent in materials and lavish in colours: a testimony of the mastery of the Maison de Grisogono. The Geneva jeweller is renowned for blackening gold with rhodium to form a distinctive backdrop for the most surprising stones.
De Grisogono Melody of Colours Bracelet in 18K white gold set with 1 mint-green tourmaline (20.37 Ct), 562 Paraiba topaze stones (40.15) and 1001 tsavorites (33.22 Ct)
ML: Which other brand in haute couture jewellery made a mark this year in your opinion? AC: Jacob & Co designed a set of earrings set with Morganite, which is quite an original choice. Morganite is a variation of the Beryl mineral, like aquamarine or emeralds. It was originally named after the financier J.P. Morgan (an important gemstone collector) by Kunz, chief gemmologist of Tiffany & Co, when a rose variation of the mineral was first unearthed in 1910 in Madagascar.
Jacob & Co’s earrings boast over 100 carats of the sought-after stone, divided between four exquisite pair-shaped Morganite stones surrounded by over eight and half carats of pear shaped colourless diamonds. The captivating size and quality of the stones, combined with the craftsmanship required to bring them to life, render the Morganite earrings unique.
Jacob & Co Morganite Earrings in 18K white gold set with morganite (100.23 carats) and colorless diamonds (8.61 carats)
In the Jacob & Co fine jewellery collections, I was enticed by the Infinia Collection available in three variations: rubies, diamonds or emeralds. The marquise shaped gemstones are combined in a circular motif creating a three-dimensional effect and are adorned with round shaped colourless diamonds.
Jacob & Co Infinia earrings in 18K white gold set with marquise shape emeralds (10.00ct) and round shape colorless diamonds (6.97ct). Jacob & Co Infinia ring in 18K white gold set with marquise shape emeralds (8.54ct) and round shape colorless diamonds (5.69ct)
This year, the New York-based brand paid homage to the bees as an understated symbol of wisdom and courage with the Abielle Collection. A sculptured version of the noble creature is detailed with rubies, yellow and blue sapphires of striking intensity; invisible setting offers continuity in the colour while colourless diamonds add sparkles to the wings.
Jacob & Co Abielle Bee Brooch in 18K White Gold with rubies (7.69ct) and diamonds (0.66ct). Jacob & Co Abielle Bee Brooch in 18K White Gold with yellow sapphires (5.20ct) and diamonds (0.60ct). Jacob & Co Abielle Bee Brooch in 18K White Gold with blue sapphires (7.72ct) and diamonds (0.62ct)
ML: You mentioned invisible setting, who in your opinion makes great use of this stone-setting technique? AC: Stenzhorn, the German house founded by the Stenzhorn brothers in 1979, continues to evolve the concept of invisible setting. Their vision, ability and skill set in cutting precious gemstones for this setting technique is unparalleled; this is the reason behind the choice of Cecere Monaco to collaborate with this luxury house in the Principality of Monaco.
Stenzhorn Noble Ones, The Chrysanthemum necklace in 18k white gold set with 2,818 rubies (53.45ct) and 1,407 colourless diamonds (9.20ct)
The Noble Ones collection is a perfect example of their mastery. It was inspired by ancient Chinese symbols of the four seasons depicted as flowers: orchid (spring), bamboo (summer), chrysanthemum (autumn) and plum blossom (winter). The workmanship in this invisible setting is extraordinary.
Stenzhorn Ovidio necklace in 18k white gold set with 666 blue sapphires (86.80ct) and 246 colourless diamonds (10.30ct)
The boundaries of invisible setting, a technique that Stenzhorn clearly masters, are further pushed in the Ovidio collection; it is inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, which recites: “I intend to speak of forms changed into new entities.” I am always fascinated when I see hard elements like stones and metals become, through ingenuity and technique, soft to the touch and gentle to the eye.
Antonio Cecere studies the flexibility of the invisible setting of the Ovidio necklace. 2. Stenzhorn Ovidio necklace in 18kt gold set with 251 colourless diamonds (14.20ct) and 606 rubies (65.50ct)
ML: Which designer most impressed you for creativity and storytelling? AC: Alessio Boschi is not just a jeweller; he is an artist who uses metals and stones to tell a story. His stories are never simple, but rich in details, opulent in materials, boundless in aspirations. The first piece by the Italian designer I ever held in my hands was the unique Flames Rubelite Ring from the Naturalia collection: Alessio opened a small door on the side of the setting and suddenly I was inside this oversized ring; an angel made of gold and mounted on a spring was living inside that marvellous cave, lit by the light shining through the 28 carats rubellite mounted at the top.
Alessio Boschi Flames Rubelite Ring in 18k gold set with rubellite (28.38ct), colourless diamonds (0.39ct), black diamonds (0.07ct), tsavorite (0.39ct), yellow sapphire (0.96ct), blue sapphire (0.98ct), and orange sapphire (1.74ct)
ML: At Baselworld, you also met with the Director of Corporate Communication of the Gemological Institute of America. What was your meeting about? AC: I met with Stephen Morisseau of GIA to discuss some aspects of diamond testing. GIA is the leading laboratory for diamond certification and Monaco Diamond Exchange has as primary role to regulate the afflux of synthetic and conflict diamonds into the mainstream market, working alongside Kimberley Process and World Diamond Council.
During our meeting Stephen showed me the GIA iD100 tester, a tool that identifies in under 2 seconds natural diamonds from synthetic (HPHT and CVD) lab-grown diamonds. The shared aim is that to reassure the consumers that technology is supporting them when they purchase a diamond to ensure that it is a natural mined gemstone. Monaco Diamond Exchange provides free testing for its members for both mounted and unmounted stones so that they can purchase in confidence.
