Boosting Consumer Confidence:Hong Kong Launches 1st Standard Methods for Diamond Testing

To strengthen Hong Kong's status as a world leading jewellery centre for consumer and international buyers, the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) with the technical assistance of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and funding support of the SME Development Fund of the Trade and Industry Department, HKSAR Government, has successfully developed Hong Kong's first standard methods for testing diamonds.

Introducing the "Standard Methods for Testing Diamond for Hong Kong" at a press conference today (4 March 2008), Mr Louis Lo, Chairman of GAHK, said, "This set of standard methods is the outcome of four years of delicate discussions between us and different parties. By offering a comprehensive and generally applicable basis for diamond testing, these testing methods not only comply with the stringent ISO 17025 international standard but are also accepted by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme of the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS). These ensure international recognition for diamond grading reports issued by accredited laboratories using these standard methods for diamond testing."

Mr Wong Shiu-ming, Head of Consumer Protection and Prosecution Bureau, Customs and Excise Department, HKSAR Government, said, "As consumers are becoming more aware of their rights, the number of complaints about diamond will inevitably increase. However, with the introduction of an official definition for natural diamond, the launch of the new standard methods and continuous support from the jewellery industry, we expect to encounter less troubles in enforcement."

Present also at today's press conference are Dr Stephen Lee, Director (Technology Development) of HKPC; Mr Lawrence Ma, President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China; Ms Connie Lau, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Consumer Council and Mr Cheung Chin-keung, Senior Accreditation Officer of HKAS.

For media enquiries, please contact Mr Felix Chan of HKPC at tel. (852) 2788 5036 or email: felixchan@hkpc.org

4 March 2008