Varda Shine and Philippe Mellier to address DMIA Membership

Varda Shine and Philippe Mellier to address DMIA Membership  Presence marks first public appearance of De Beers executives in USA Phllippe Mellier New York, New York, USA - December 10, 2012: Philippe Mellier, Chief Executive Officer of the De Beers Group and Varda Shine, the Chief Executive Officer of the De Beers' Diamond Trading Company (DTC) will be the guests of honor and keynote speakers at the General Membership Meeting of the Diamond & Importers Association of America (DMIA) on January 8, 2013. It will be the first ever public appearance of De Beers' executives on U.S. soil. "The DMIA members are proud and honored to be hosting Varda Shine and Philippe Mellier at their annual membership meeting," said DMIA president Ronald Friedman. ""We have been talking about and planning this event for a few years. So it is more than fitting that these two pivotal diamond industry leaders will be giving what the DMIA leadership refers to as a 'U.S. Inaugural Address' to the New York and American diamond industry," he added. Varda Shine Called "An Evening with Philippe Mellier and Varda Shine," it will headline the DMIA's General Membership Meeting on January 8 from 5:30 p.m. Mr. Mellier and Ms. Shine are expected to make a comprehensive presentation about the De Beers Group of Companies, diamond mining, polished markets, and the state of the international, as well as the American diamond and jewelry industry.   In the spirit of inclusiveness, the DMIA is reaching out to other industry organizations and colleagues to take part in this unique event. A large turnout is expected, and anyone interested in attending is encouraged to reserve space immediately by emailing Ms. Alla Sachakova at alla@williamfriedmandiamonds.com.  Venue details will follow shortly. Sponsor Acknowledgement: The DMIA acknowledges and appreciates the major sponsors, Bank Leumi USA, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), and Malca-Amit Global Limited, for making this event possible, for their support and their belief in the DMIA's mission. Other parties interested in offering financial support for this event are invited to contact DMIA President Ronald J. Friedman at +1-212-1-2453160 or DMIA Vice President and CFO Ronnie VanderLinden at +1-212-5758145.

About the DMIA The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), established in 1931, is the leading organization of America's premier diamond manufacturers, importers and dealers. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the American marketplace. DMIA is among the leaders in addressing domestic and world diamond industry issues, and acts as a representative of the American diamond industry with other industry organizations and government bodies. DMIA is dedicated to the advancement and assurance of consumer confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry.