The WDMF also said it would engage with the producers and urge them to join hands with other ongoing efforts for joint generic promotion of diamonds.

WDMF Chairman Alex Popov said that the first edition of a think tank meeting on diamond marketing had been held in Hong Kong at the same time. “The meeting, which was suggested by Rio Tinto and implemented by the WDMF, was attended by representatives of retailers, manufacturers, bankers and producers met for the first time to discuss the game plan for joint generic promotion.”

He added that the participants in the HK meet had “agreed not to disclose the nature of discussions but expressed optimism and determination to take generic diamond promotion further”.

Popov also commented that “the London meeting offers proof that also among the producers there is a growing recognition that we need to come together on the topic of generic diamond promotion”.

Ernest Blom, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and WDMF Vice Chairman said: "As the WDMF is already pushing forward and is in advanced stages toward the implementation of a comprehensive strategy and programme for the generic promotion of diamonds, we hope to engage with the producers and get them on board with us, as their participation and stated willingness to fund such efforts will be crucial to the success of generic promotion throughout the supply pipeline."