07 June 2010
Rio Tinto's business development symposium for the US diamond jewelry market gathers momentum
New York, NY, June 7, 2010 - Rio Tinto's inaugural jewelry business development symposium, to be held in Chicago, Illinois on July 16-18, 2010, has attracted significant interest from diamond industry participants.
Sponsored by the Gem Certification and Assurance Laboratory, GCAL, the symposium and design showcase will bring together many of Rio Tinto's Select Diamantaires, and at least ten leading North American jewelry retailers and key jewelry buying groups.
According to Rebecca Foerster, Manager of Rio Tinto's US representative office for Diamonds sales and marketing,
" We are delighted to have GCAL sponsor this symposium given the important role certification plays in consumer confidence in the diamond jewelry industry."
Preeminent jewelry veteran, Ken Gassman will provide the key note speech at the symposium which is focussed on building better relationships throughout the diamond distribution channel and providing a collaborative forum for understanding key issues facing today's diamond jewelry businesses. As President and Founder of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute, Ken focuses exclusively on the global jewelry and diamond industry, particularly at the consumer level.
The symposium will also provide the opportunity for Rio Tinto's Select Diamantaires to showcase their latest designs to top US retailers and obtain important retail market feedback.