The annual meeting of presidents of the World Diamond Bourses (WFDB Presidents’ Meeting)has passed from April, 11 till April, 14th in Dubai. One of the main decisions of the given action was the acceptance of the world program of certification of jewelry stores by means of the mark WFDB (the World Federation of DiamondBourses) – some kind of the quality mark confirming that its owner is reliable in sphere of brilliantsale. Alex Popov, the president of the Moscow Diamond Stock exchangehas told us in detailabout the given program which will take place in 2012.
Alex, how was the program of jewelry storescertification by means of the mark WFDB established? There are some schemes of jewelry storescertification in the world. The most known and widespread is Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices. It is a very bulky name and bulky structure where there are 280 largest networks of the world. It is excellent system of certification with independent auditor checks which covers precious stones, metals, observance of the trading legislation, a degree of buyer service, etc. Unfortunately, membership cost in CRJP is so high that only very big networks can allow it. CRJP actively assists the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), CIBJO and other branch organizations, such as the World Gold Council, Platinum Council, etc. Other working program of certification of dealers and manufacturers of brilliants and jewels, members of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, extended earlier only on wholesale (B2B) sector. But this year WFDB has made the decision on carrying over of this positive experience of certification on consumer level (В2С) by distribution retailor mark WFDB. This world program of certification of jewelry stores of the World Federation of Bourses (WFDB) is now at the last stage of working out. It is based on existing program WFDB Mark which operates since 2008. The special committee which includes the presidents of diamond bourses of London, Hong Kong, Singapore,Moscow, New York and so forth is engaged in working out of so-calledretailorprograms.The Program will start in 2012.
Who will make the decision, that this or that shop is reliable in sphere of sale of brilliants? What kind of criteria should the shop correspond? The criteria of certification are described in special documents (special documents look on our site – NJT.RU-editor's note.). Criteria will strongly not differfor shops. In brief their essence can be formulated as follows: not to give out that is on sale, for something another or, easy to say not to deceive the buyer. The decisionlies down on the committee of independent experts in each country. Nobody makes a retailor be the expert-gemologist or is not going to learn him to something though the program provides personnel training - when retailor wants it. The main thing is not to deceive the buyer. I underline – only the buyer. The World Federation does not replace and does not apply for a role of the controller of the state interests.
What will mechanism of reception of mark WFDB be? And how much should the shop pay for certification? The mechanism of mark reception will be published in September. All participants of the market will receive the reference simultaneouslyin all countries. The decision on issue or a lack of issue indicating the reasons and ways of their elimination will be made within two-three weeks at local level. After that (in case of the positive decision) entering process in a world database will begin: producing of the diploma, a badge and so forth, and also transfer from Federation General Headquarters.It is will occupy even 45-60 days. The cost will vary depending on the country and from a shop or network turn. It will be generated so that to pay expenses of the Federation on the certification and the report of the information to the consumer, and simultaneously to be favourablefor the retailor. The shop which has got the right of use of mark WFDB, will be brought in theFederation database which becomes accessible to each consumer of jewels. The shop also will receive a number of privileges connected with access on diamond trading platforms, educational programs, personnel courses, insurance programs and others instruments of consumer trustmaintenance. Besides a badge which can be printed on cut-aways, invoices, advertising and so forth, the retailor will be issued also the diploma signed by the president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
And why is itfavourable for shops to have mark WFDB? Mark WFDB is a certification of decency, a symbol of that the given shop has incurred the obligation to be "transparent" with the buyers. And retailor which is interested in maintenance of the reputation, it is always favourable to have one more proof of the conscientiousness. Besides it the owner of the mark WFDB joins the most exclusive world community that imposes certain obligations, but also brings huge advantage. Besides "indirect" benefits there are also concrete material advantages in the form of discounts and the special offers accessible for members thanks to the World Federation. I will underline once again: the mark WFDB is not a way of competitive struggle, and the proof of decency of the shop. We would likevery much, that all shops supportWFDB norms and obligations and that jewelry trade is conducted without a deceit of the buyers.