Group Pays Tribute To Diamond Worker

Published on 08/06/09

A group has paid tribute to a prominent member of the diamond industry who is set to step down from his role.

Ian Smillie is a founding member of the rough diamond certification programme the Kimberley Process and recently announced that he is ceasing his involvement with the group, lovers of gold diamond rings and diamond necklaces may be interested to hear.

Director Chairman Gooch commented that Global Witness had benefited from Mr Smillie's "insight and remarkable dedication", without which the body would not exist.

The director added: "We applaud Ian's energy and invaluable contributions to the international conflict diamond campaign, and wish him well in future endeavors."

Mr Smillie has worked on strengthening systems to prevent the use of conflict diamonds for the last decade and handed in his resignation last month.

In other industry news, the International Diamond Council has updated its guidelines for diamond grading and the terminology associated with this.