Got to know your diamonds: Meeus
Güncelleme Tarihi:
by Ceylan Yeğinsu
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 25, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL -The vast majority of diamond consumers do not know what they are buying. Peter Meeus from the Dubai Diamond Exchange says it is impossible for the human eye to identify a fake diamond from the real thing
The International Diamond Laboratories came to Turkey at an unfortunate time, with the financial crisis in full bloom, but a diamond education system and a diamond certification system will benefit Turkey’s diamond market, according to the Peter Meeus, chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange.
The vast majority of diamond consumers do not know what they are buying. Meeus explained that it is impossible for the human eye to identify a fake diamond from a real one. International Diamond Laboratories provide the diamond trade and jewelry retailers with quality reports of polished diamonds using scientifically based standards. "We ensure that every detail of your diamond is unveiled and recorded," said Meeus in an interview with Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
Once diamonds are brought to the company, a team of internationally reputed gemologists and experienced graders examine them. They obey a strict code of conduct and are backed by a groundbreaking knowledge center comprising physicists, engineers and researchers.
The International Diamond Laboratories offers an extensive diamond education; 500 people in Turkey have gained diplomas since its first laboratory last June. Here people are trained to value and evaluate the cut, carat, color and clarity of the diamond. After carrying out the two-week training program, participants take a test and upon completion are awarded the certification.
Importance of certification
When asked how important diamond certification was for Turkish consumers, Meeus said extremely important especially during the crisis. "Crisis consumers are extremely careful and conservative when it comes to spending money on jewelry as they want to be 100 percent sure their purchase will be worthwhile," said Meeus. Diamond guarantee and certification will play a large role in helping the local Turkish market grow on an international level, Meeus said.
Meeus said that because of the economic meltdown, consumer demand has softened worldwide and that it was obvious that this year will be a tough year not only in Turkey but in the world. Meeus said that being patient and waiting for the crisis to ease it is important to continue innovation to maintain a high standard of diamond evaluation as serious buyers will continue to buy items they are sure of. The international jewelry show that took place in Istanbul last week was the first sign of hope in this critical year, said Meeus, referring to it as the " the first sign of a swallow before spring."
Meeus praised the Turkish market, saying that it has become increasingly creative over the years, moving away from imitations and formulating its own designs. As a result, Meeus forecasted that the market will make a fast recovery after the crisis.
Meeus has extensive experience in the diamond sector and has served as managing director to the HRD, the umbrella organization in the Belgian diamond sector, for six years, prior to which he was the director of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse. Of Belgian origin, Meeus has also been the vice chairman of the World Diamond Council and was recently appointed chairman of the Dubai Diamond.
Editor's note: The preceding story was updated on April 8, 2009 to reflect the following correction which was published in the print version of Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review: IDL is a registered trade mark of Lida Turizm Ticaret ve Sanayi Ltd Sti. A story on March 29, 2009 attributed IDL as the acronym of another company. The Daily News regrets any confusion this may have caused.
The vast majority of diamond consumers do not know what they are buying. Meeus explained that it is impossible for the human eye to identify a fake diamond from a real one. International Diamond Laboratories provide the diamond trade and jewelry retailers with quality reports of polished diamonds using scientifically based standards. "We ensure that every detail of your diamond is unveiled and recorded," said Meeus in an interview with Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
Once diamonds are brought to the company, a team of internationally reputed gemologists and experienced graders examine them. They obey a strict code of conduct and are backed by a groundbreaking knowledge center comprising physicists, engineers and researchers.
The International Diamond Laboratories offers an extensive diamond education; 500 people in Turkey have gained diplomas since its first laboratory last June. Here people are trained to value and evaluate the cut, carat, color and clarity of the diamond. After carrying out the two-week training program, participants take a test and upon completion are awarded the certification.
Importance of certification
When asked how important diamond certification was for Turkish consumers, Meeus said extremely important especially during the crisis. "Crisis consumers are extremely careful and conservative when it comes to spending money on jewelry as they want to be 100 percent sure their purchase will be worthwhile," said Meeus. Diamond guarantee and certification will play a large role in helping the local Turkish market grow on an international level, Meeus said.
Meeus said that because of the economic meltdown, consumer demand has softened worldwide and that it was obvious that this year will be a tough year not only in Turkey but in the world. Meeus said that being patient and waiting for the crisis to ease it is important to continue innovation to maintain a high standard of diamond evaluation as serious buyers will continue to buy items they are sure of. The international jewelry show that took place in Istanbul last week was the first sign of hope in this critical year, said Meeus, referring to it as the " the first sign of a swallow before spring."
Meeus praised the Turkish market, saying that it has become increasingly creative over the years, moving away from imitations and formulating its own designs. As a result, Meeus forecasted that the market will make a fast recovery after the crisis.
Meeus has extensive experience in the diamond sector and has served as managing director to the HRD, the umbrella organization in the Belgian diamond sector, for six years, prior to which he was the director of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse. Of Belgian origin, Meeus has also been the vice chairman of the World Diamond Council and was recently appointed chairman of the Dubai Diamond.
Editor's note: The preceding story was updated on April 8, 2009 to reflect the following correction which was published in the print version of Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review: IDL is a registered trade mark of Lida Turizm Ticaret ve Sanayi Ltd Sti. A story on March 29, 2009 attributed IDL as the acronym of another company. The Daily News regrets any confusion this may have caused.