DiamondBuzz
NDC Welcomes Angola’s ENDIAMA and SODIAM as New Members
Angola’s ENDIAMA and SODIAM Join Natural Diamond Council to Drive Global Industry Growth and Sustainable Development
The Board of Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is delighted to announce that Angola’s ENDIAMA E.P. and SODIAM E.P. have formally joined the organization as members, following the completion of all legal and regulatory requirements for accession.
ENDIAMA E.P. – Empresa Nacional de Diamantes de Angola (National Diamond Company of Angola) is Angola’s state-owned diamond mining company, responsible for managing the country’s diamond resources and ensuring their sustainable development for the benefit of the Angolan people. SODIAM E.P. – Empresa Nacional de Comercialização de Diamantes de Angola (National Diamond Marketing Company of Angola) is the state-owned diamond trading company and unique channel for Angolan diamond export, overseeing the marketing and commercialization of Angola’s natural diamond production on the global stage.
This milestone follows the principles outlined in the Luanda Accord co-signed in June 2025 by representatives of diamond producing countries and industry stakeholders, including Angola, Botswana, De Beers and midstream representatives, signaling a shared commitment to support the natural diamond industry and the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. The Accord reflects a shared vision to take decisive action, backed by sufficient resources, for the long-term health and integrity of the natural diamond industry through the NDC’s marketing and education work to inspire consumer desire for natural diamonds. The recent receipt of Angola’s financial contribution stands as a tangible testament to the proactive commitment set in motion by the Luanda Accord.
“The future success of the industry will be defined by our ability to work together to communicate the true story of natural diamonds – both their desirability and their ability to drive development. I am therefore delighted to welcome ENDIAMA E.P. and SODIAM E.P. as NDC members,” states Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands and NDC Chair.
“Through growing the organization’s representation across the natural diamond value chain, the NDC will be better positioned to amplify the collective voice of the industry, strengthen consumer education, and reinforce trust in natural diamonds as rare, precious creations of nature with profound social and economic impact.”
“Natural diamonds are not only the world’s most precious and timeless stone- but they are also the bedrock of Angola’s prosperity providing stability and livelihood for millions of our people,” says Dr. José Manuel Augusto Ganga Júnior, ENDIAMA E.P.’s Chairman. “By joining the NDC we are signaling our commitment to ensuring a bright future for the natural diamond industry – and Angola’s position in it- through revitalized and sustained investment in global generic marketing executed by NDC.”
“We are delighted to join the Natural Diamond Council, strengthening Angola’s voice in the global diamond community and fostering collaboration that promotes responsible growth, transparency, and shared prosperity across an industry which plays a vital role in shaping the future of diamond-producing nations, driving sustainable economic development, and ensuring that the benefits of this natural resource contribute meaningfully to national progress and wellbeing of our communities,”states Dr. Eugénio Pereira Bravo da Rosa, Chairman of SODIAM E.P..
At the same time, the NDC Board of Directors is actively reviewing its governance documents to enable broader participation from across the natural diamond value chain. These updates are intended to support greater inclusivity, transparency, and engagement, ensuring the organization continues to evolve in step with the industry it represents.
Together, these developments mark a positive and forward-looking chapter for the Natural Diamond Council as it advances its mission to protect and promote the integrity, desirability, and enduring value of natural diamonds worldwide.
DiamondBuzz
GIA says it can’t comply with industry bodies’ request for nominal, grading-linked contribution mechanism”
A coalition of 15 major industry organizations recently petitioned the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to implement a “grading-linked contribution mechanism.” The goal was to secure sustainable funding for the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) to revitalize consumer marketing. However, the GIA has officially declined the request, citing legal and structural constraints.
The initiative, led by the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), suggested a nominal, sliding-scale surcharge based on carat size for every diamond graded by the GIA.
- Objective: To create a “fair, transparent, and scalable” revenue stream for natural diamond promotion.
- Rationale: Proponents argued that since every graded diamond benefits from GIA’s reputation, a small levy is a logical way to support the industry’s collective health.
- Precedent: The groups pointed to India’s successful implementation of small levies for industry promotion as a proof of concept.
3. GIA’s Official Stance
Despite the unified front of the 15 organizations (American Gem Trade Association, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Bharat Diamond Bourse, CIBJO (World Jewellery Confederation), the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association, the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, Jewelers of America, United States Jewelry Council, World Diamond Council, and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses), the GIA has rejected the proposal
The GIA’s refusal to implement the proposed surcharge is rooted in its structural identity as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Under this legal designation, the GIA is strictly prohibited from diverted funds or collecting fees to benefit external, for-profit, or trade-specific marketing entities like the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
Beyond the legal constraints, the organization maintains a firm boundary regarding its mission alignment; while industry groups seek to drive commercial demand, the GIA’s primary mandate is centered on consumer protection and rigorous scientific education. Engaging in commercial promotion could be perceived as a conflict of interest that undermines its role as an impartial arbiter of diamond quality.
Despite this rejection, the GIA has signaled a willingness for future support through collaborative efforts that fit within its educational purview. By focusing on “industry education” rather than “marketing,” the GIA can continue to fund internal initiatives that overlap with the NDC’s goals without violating its nonprofit status or compromising its reputation for objectivity.
The rejection by the GIA marks a significant hurdle for the NDC’s funding strategy. The industry now faces the challenge of creating a self-funded marketing engine without the “centralized gatekeeper” advantage that a grading lab surcharge would have provided.
Potential Alternative Paths:
- Implementing voluntary contribution models at the retail or wholesale level.
- Focusing on “educational” campaigns that GIA can legally support under its nonprofit status.
- Exploring government-backed levies in major diamond hubs (similar to the Indian model).
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