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HomeNewsLocal NewsMonaco Diamond Exchange aims to educate, inform and advise members
Monaco Diamond Exchange aims to educate, inform and advise members
By Jean-Paul Goodwin - October 18, 2016
Monaco Diamond Exchange founders and Antonio Cecere and Claude Cardone
Monaco Diamond Exchange (MDE) has been incorporated in the Principality of Monaco as a non-profit association to advise and inform its members on diamonds and ensure that trade is achieved in respect of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The association and its council will act as the central point of communication to ensure compliance with the regulatory and voluntary systems in order to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds and commerce with countries embargoed by the United Nations. Furthermore, the association points at regulating the afflux of synthetic diamonds into the mainstream market.
Monaco Diamond Exchange was founded by Antonio Cecere and Claude Cardone, President, and Antonio Cecere, Vice President. Mr Cardone and Mr Cecere are joined by two highly prominent honorary presidents: Mike Asscher, Vice President of Royal Asscher, cutters of the Great Star of Africa, the largest polished white diamond in the world and part of the British Crown Jewels; and Derek Palmer, formerly and for three decades Head of Communication of DeBeers’ DTC, today director at Pluczenik (DTC Sightholder).
Mr Cardone, who is also president of the Chambre Monegasque of Joaillerie et Horlogerie and of Creations Lizhel SAM, speaks about the necessity to create an entity that has as priority that to support individuals as well as corporation in the transactions that involve physical diamonds: “Although trading may take place between members, Monaco Diamond Exchange does not publish an index. We have spent a considerable amount of time discussing the importance of commoditising this sector and we felt that creating an index was not the priority, while regulating the commerce of conflict and synthetic diamonds was an urgent task.”
Mr Cecere, Director of Cecere Sarl – specialist in alternative investment in precious gemstones, vintage watches and antique jewellery and professor at IUM (Inseec) – has considerable experience in the sector with a pedigree that includes Richemont Group and Swarovski Group. He says, “Due to macroeconomics and the evolution of the sector the importance of diamonds as investment class is destined to grow mid-term from its current five percent share of global demand. Our aim is to support investors as well as consumers in their diamonds transactions by educating, informing and advising members.”
Members are verified and applications are submitted to the council for consideration. The membership is suitable for individuals as well as tax advisors, family offices, banks and wealth managers with interests in physical polished diamonds. Amongst other services, members access MC.EXCHANGE, a private off-market diamonds reserve developed exclusively for Monaco Diamond Exchange.
Elena d’Ischia, principal of Monaco-based DCS Global, is the Treasurer of the Exchange; with a background in banking including Edmond de Rothschild and BNP Paribas, she supports and advises members from a financial perspective. Simon Piggott is Secretary General of the association and director of Abaco Global Resources; formerly a senior banker with HSBC and Merril Lynch with proficiency in mining, he completes the board of directors.
Mike Asscher, of the sixth generation of the Asscher family, creators of the Asscher cut, Trilliant cut and the Royal Asscher cut, comments: “My father, Edward, was one of the forefathers of the Kimberley certification scheme, and it is our mission with the Monaco Diamond Exchange to inform consumers as well as investors on the significance of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.”
Derek Palmer, former global marketing and communications director of De Beers’ Diamond Trading Company, currently international marketing director of Pluczenik, adds: “Increasingly Asians are turning to diamonds as a portable asset due to the volatility of the financial markets. This phenomenon is not isolated to Asia, but it is in fact a growing trend globally that is further accentuated today by the shared awareness that the supply of diamonds is limited whilst demand is ever-growing. This renders this class attractive to investors beside the traditional role that diamonds had of preserving, storing and relocating wealth”.
Mr Cecere concludes: “Although diamond prices have been stagnant for a decade, they may gradually increase before 2019; this is when the projected gap between supply and demand of rough diamonds widens with demand growing three to four percent and supply declining at a rate of between one and two percent annually. Early investors with a mid to long-term view benefit from today’s plateauing pricing.”
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February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, at least in the US. Certified dog behaviourist Karen September of Happy Dog MC, who has worked in the Monaco area for nearly eight years, gives some advice to Monaco Paws on tough puppy love
What got you interested in dog training?
KS: I grew up on a farm in Australia and we always had dogs and horses. I’ve been around dogs all my life as we bred Bull Terriers and Blue Heelers.
Have you found that dogs in Monaco have any special issues?KS: Monaco is so small with a huge concentration of dogs so it’s important that dogs learn correct social behaviour. But the problem is that living in small apartments dogs don’t always get enough exercise and this can result in barking, aggression, anxiety and bad lead manners.
What is the most important lesson that owners need to learn?KS: It is really important for owners to set rules, boundaries and limitations in the home and outside. I find that owners often humanize their dogs to the point that the dog becomes confused. Dogs are pack animals and need a strong pack leader.
What should owners do if they are having problems with a dog’s behaviour?KS: Bad behaviour is a cry for help. The first thing is to look at the daily routine. Exercise is essential; dogs are travellers, they love to move and explore and if they don’t get enough exercise (a garden is no substitute for walking out) they become frustrated and bored.
How much exercise does an average dog need?KS: I recommend at least a 30-45 minute walk, two times per day.
Why is walking, especially on the lead, so important?KS: Correct lead manners where the dog walks respectfully next to, or behind their owner, is the foundation for teaching the dog you are his pack leader and he is a follower. If the dog is in front he will instinctually assume a protective, leader role and this is when the problems start.
How does the human become the pack leader?KS: It’s all about energy. Dogs rely on their instincts, not conversation. If you project a calm, assertive energy your dog will relax and respond with calm, submissive energy and look to you for direction in all situations.
So, the training is both for the dog and the owner?
KS: Yes, definitely. Dogs and humans have a deep connection that goes back 20,000 years. However, you can’t be a friend to your dog without first establishing a leadership role. I am not saying that giving love and affection is wrong, but it must be given at the right times.
Besides lead training, how else do you help dog owners?
KS: I can help in lots of ways. I love to help people adopt a dog or choose a new puppy. I can help socialise a dog to a new baby or a change of circumstances. As well, I specialise in working with dogs that are overly aggressive or have anxiety problems.
Do you think its possible to teach an old dog new tricks?
KS: Age has no bearing whatsoever. It’s never too late for a dog to learn to be calm, balanced and happy.
Share your Love Your Pet Day photos on Instagram tagging monacolife_
Monaco Paws is a collaboration between writer Siri Trang Khalsa and photographer Kaidi-Katariin Knox. Follow on Instagram @stkmonaco and @art.of.an.eye or contact monacopaws@gmail.com