Hong Kong Launches 1st Government-Accredited Diamond Report Scheme

In support of the new legislation on the authenticity of diamond, the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) with the assistance of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) launches the first government-accredited scheme on diamond testing to increase consumer and industry confidence on Hong Kong diamond products.

Introducing the "Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) on Diamond Testing" at a press conference today (4 March 2009), Mr Louis Lo, Chairman of GAHK, said: "Under the Scheme, the government's Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) will assess the participating gems laboratories based on GAHK's 'Standard Methods for Testing Diamond for Hong Kong'. Gems laboratories attaining the accreditation can issue diamond reports bearing the logo of HKAS as a proof of quality for enhanced confidence for both consumers and the jewellery trade. The Scheme can also enhance the professional knowledge of local gemmologists and the international reputation of Hong Kong jewellery industry."

Mr Lee Kwok-keung, Principal Consultant of HKPC, said: "Following the successful launch of Hong Kong's first-ever Standard Methods for Testing Diamond last year, HKPC supports GAHK again on this Scheme to enhance the capabilities of local jewellers and gemmologists. We would support the participating gems laboratories to adopt the diamond testing and grading systems for accreditation."

Mr Cheung Chin-keung, Senior Accreditation Officer of HKAS, said: "Together with international renounced gemmologist Ken Scarratt, we recently assessed two local gems laboratories. The assessment reflects that both labs are on a par with international standard in terms of the professional knowledge of their gemmologists, equipments and management systems."

Also present at today's press conference were Mr Cheung Sai-yan, Head of Trade Controls, Customs and Excise Department; Ms Connie Lau, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Consumer Council; Mr Lawrence Ma, President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China; and Mr Au Kwok-kau, General Manager of Luk Fook Group.

For more information about "HOKLAS on Diamond Testing", please contact GAHK at tel. (852) 2366 6006 or email: gahkltd@gmail.com. For other media enquiries on HKPC, please contact Ms Justina Shum of HKPC at tel. (852) 2788 5895 or email: justina@hkpc.org.

4 March 2009