Dear Mr. Vaughan, Antwerp has evolved to become the last word in Diamonds. What according to you are those important factors that have led to this positioning of Antwerp as the Final Diamond destination?

We have what is known as the diamond square mile consisting of three streets and this area is classified as a pedestrian zone. In Antwerp we are fortunate to have a close co-operation and an understanding with the Mayor or Antwerp and his team, and we can proudly state that Antwerp is unique, in as much as we are the only town worldwide who has a Vice-Mayor for Diamonds.

Within the diamond square mile there are four WFDB affiliated diamond bourses, more than 1800 registered diamond companies, banks, the Diamond Office where goods entering and leaving Belgium are cleared through customs, in addition, we also have logistic companies necessary for transporting goods to and from the airport and all this happens in a secure and controlled environment. More that 80% of the world production of rough diamonds passes through Antwerp I addition to the large percentage of polished diamonds. There a quite a number of rough tenders taking place in Antwerp each

week and these tender attract a large number of rough diamond buyers be they manufacturers or dealers from both the home market and abroad and this is in addition to the major rough diamond producers realizing the necessity and importance of being positioned in Antwerp. There is also and important and highly successful event, the Antwerp Rough Diamond Days that takes place four times in the world's largest rough diamond bourse, the Antwerpsche Diamantkring, this event attracts WFDB affiliated bourse members worldwide to meet and conduct business. Then of course there is the tradition, as diamonds has an association with Antwerp that dates back 570 years.

Is it true that currently we are witnessing a slow movement concerning the Polished Diamond business? If yes, in your opinion what are the steps that the Diamond fraternity should take to overcome the prevailing challenges?

Rough prices are very firm, on the high side, whilst in my view it is a good thing as it helps keep some form of price stability on the polished market there is still a large quantity of polished diamonds available worldwide, and this will start to change when the demand for polished goods start to become more scarce. From an international perspective, wherever those involved in the diamond business are based, our core values should not only not be forgotten or preached, but also be acted upon. Please allow me to explain, whilst we live in the electronic age, the 21-century with business innovations constantly evolving, we should never ever forget that the way we conduct business demands that we act with integrity, be accountable for our actions, act in an honest manner and keep our word, our word should be our bond. The handshake and Mazal are the core values of our business and should be respected as such.

Synthetic Diamonds are seen growing in the jewellery sector. Is there enough education among the trade on Synthetic diamonds and what according to you are the steps that need to be taken for a brighter future for the Diamond trade?

I believe that there is a place for laboratory grown diamonds, and that place has really nothing to do with the natural diamond industry. Each natural diamond is unique and has a story behind it, this is not so with laboratory grown diamonds. No two polished natural diamonds can be the same that is the beauty of nature, and nature has created the natural diamond, which is offered with love to the final consumer. Generic advertising of the natural diamond is the way forward, we in the trade know the difference, but we must sell the story to the consumer it is for them to appreciate the difference and one of the ways to accomplish this is through generic advertising.

Diamond detection devices are being launched by leading grading, certification and technology companies. Your opinion on the importance of such devices and what the steps that need to be taken to promote such diamond detection devices to a larger number of trade members?

Technology plays an important part in diamond detection and continues to play an important part in our industry worldwide.

We are witnessing increased number of consumers when it comes to the millennial generation. Is the diamond industry equipped to promote and service the large millennial buyers in the near future. If yes, please emphasize on generic diamond marketing efforts and its necessity

There a numerous advertisements of diamond jewellery each week appearing in women's magazines. There is the diamond generic advertising campaign by the Diamond Producers Association and then there are the Magnificent Jewels auctions, which takes place in Geneva, Hong Kong, London and New York a few times a year and conducted by the major auction houses.

The government of Antwerp - Belgium has been a facilitator for the Diamond industry for generations. With the younger generation ready to take on the family business in the city, what are those factors that you feel would help and support the next gen to carry out the business in the city of Antwerp?

Here in Antwerp we are fortunate to have experts in every field of the diamond industry with a very broad and detailed knowledge base. As with every other business and especially with the diamond business banks and the facilities that they provide are crucial to support this generation and future generations in our very special business.

In just 3 words tell us why should a person visit Antwerp?

Friendly, convenient, professional.