Mr. Saramady Touré, the Guinean Ambassador to Canada, has announced the establishment of the Diamond and Gold Bourse of Guinea Group (DGBG). The bourse is a joint project between the daughter of Saudi Arabia’s King Saud, Ismail El Lakkis, principal of Montreal’s Investissement Royal KSA, Mike Botha, CEO of Saskatchewan’s Embee Diamonds, and various Guinean government offices.
According to the DGBG, the demand for Canadian diamonds—as well as exceptional and large diamonds from African countries—helped to fuel its creation. The bourse will offer membership to diamantaires who are audited members of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). Once it is fully operational, it will apply for membership in the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
Lakkis, the personal representative of King Saud’s daughter, has been named CEO of the bourse.
Additionally, Lakis and Investissement Royal principal Ms. R. Omrane are in the process of acquiring an equity stake in Embee Diamonds. This move will help to greatly expand Embee Diamond’s global footprint. Investissement Royal was also awarded the exclusive rights to Embee Diamond’s world-class proprietary cut, known as Sirius Star®.
“Over the years, the family-owned Embee Diamonds has carved a niche for itself as a world-class diamond-cutting and polishing atelier,” says Mr. Lakkis. “Once obtained, such an investment will fund Embee Diamonds’ immediate and future expansion plans, and help honour their commitment to their customers and greatly increase the availability of their critically-acclaimed Sirius Star®…the world’s brightest diamond® range of diamonds – especially larger, exceptional stones.”
Mr. Botha adds that the company is delighted with this new partnership. “With the funding through Investissement Royal KSA, we’ll finally be able to give our brand what it deserves in terms of an international footprint and a deep selection of inventory in all sizes, colours and clarities.”
Author: Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff
Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff is the shared byline for reporting filed by the magazine's editorial desk. Founded in 1879, Canadian Jeweller is the longest running jewellery business publication in Canada, covering market reporting, retail strategy, watches, diamonds, coloured gemstones and the commerce of the Canadian jewellery trade. Work published under this byline is edited and verified by the Canadian Jeweller editorial team in Toronto.
