DMIA Responds to Article Attacking Industry Infighting
April 29, 13
 DMIA proactive on ethics, VanderLinden |
The DMIA was responding to an article in JCK Magazine titled "The Diamond Industry's Sad Lack of Leadership," by senior editor Rob Bates who criticized the diamond industry for not dealing with pressing reputational issues, and saying that if they are not confronted the industry may lose market share.
DMIA President Ronnie VanderLinden welcomed the article, saying the industry sometimes needed a "wake-up call." The article slammed the diamond industry for being preoccupied with in-fighting that makes the industry look small-minded.
"While he [Bates] makes valid points, at the DMIA we have steadfastly acted for generations not only to protect our industry but also to be proactive on ethics. We abhor violence and are very concerned about human rights beyond 'reputational risks.'"
VanderLinden pointed out that DMIA has worked together with other American organizations, such as the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Jewelers of America (JA), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers Association (MJSA), the American Gem Society (AGS) in discussing issues. The DMIA also played a leading role in co-authoring the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol last year, he said.
"It is important to note that that we have been heavily criticized by some members of the international diamond community for taking this position and advocating it as a voluntary protocol that we feel should be adopted globally. But we will not compromise on this issue" VanderLinden added.
Rick Cohen, DMIA Director of Communications, added that VanderLinden attends meetings at the US Department of State which seeks out the DMIA to actively participate in order to move the process forward, as had his predecessor, Ronny Friedman.