• The Executive committee of WFDB acquired GET-DIAMONDS with the goal of having a platform that was designed For The Industry, By The Industry .The pandemic created a perfect storm whereby on one hand there were many companies within our industry that felt the shutdown of businesses was a perfect time for them to seek a change and release themselves of the control of one major platform whose desire for profit was greater than the overall good of the industry. On the other hand, there was the WFDB, together with industry leaders who recognized the opportunity and offered the perfect solution namely GET-DIAMONDS!
• As a nonprofit entity, GET-DIAMONDS is free from any controversial decisions which are typical to a business for profit, and can focus only on the best interest and trading needs of its members.

• Yes, of course GET-DIAMONDS entity is and will be managed with full transparency!

• The Board was formed with the aim of having a balance of power and to keep the interests of the industry and its members as its only objective. The board consists of 12 directors that will probably be elected every three years with the distribution of seats as follow:
• Five (5) Presidents of different bourses from around the world representing the WFDB,
• Five (5) Diamantaires from different companies around the world, currently represented by UDA (United Diamond Alliance),
• Two (2) seats reserved for non-industry professionals like lawyers, accountant, etc.

• Just like any other non-profit organization the board will be in charge of its financial policy and the overseeing of the operation. The board will convene every couple of months or so (although right now we are meeting almost every day) but the everyday operation will be managed by a hired professional team such as a CEO, marketing director, administrator etc. Actually, this is a good time to mention that we are currently looking to hire a CEO.
• As for the data and technical aspect of the platform, after reviewing various bids, which included a review of experience, technical knowledge, ability to offer tech support and continue to develop and grow the platform with new features and advanced technology, data security, and pricing, an Israeli company called 'LUCY' was selected as the tech company which will manage GET-DIAMONDS.com . 
• It is a bit too detailed and technical to explain but important to know that there are few layers of security, different hosting servers known as AWS (Amazon Web Services), and periodic review of security that will be done by an independent internet and data security company.

• The main challenge is attracting users and getting them accustomed to a new platform. Like any new venture spreading the word by its members is vital to its success. This platform is our platform as we are members of WFDB and we encourage members to take advantage of this platform as much as they can. We are all “creatures of habits” and just need to get accustomed to GET-DIAMONDS for our diamond’s needs. Of course, hand in hand, we MUST constantly improve the UI and UE (users interface and users experience), and indeed, our team is working around the clock and constantly improving the site.

• A strict vetting process and KYC (Know Your Customer) is already in place that scrutinizes all applicants to ensure a qualified membership. Access to the platform is by registration only (companies that are in the industry are qualified to register), Access to the site is only through valid login and password etc.

• Currently there is no membership fee to access the site but we do expect to charge a minimum fee in the distant future, it will be much less than any fee currently being charged by platform companies that are for profit.

• The numbers grow daily, as of May 21, 2020 worldwide numbers were:
• Suppliers with stock: 1,165
• Registered Suppliers: 3,093
• Registered Buyers: 25,216
• 1,195,295 Diamonds
• Total Value: $5,390,514,122.68
• Total carats: 1,090,159.47

• Yes there are some. With the help of the members, many more will join and realize the benefit over other platforms. We are also talking to different big USA retail groups by offering different incentives to bring them on board. We believe that will see good results very soon (remember it is free of charge!!)

• One never knows, and it is too early to tell. However I can say, with some confidence that probably not! Most members are not welcoming of this product at this time

• A marketing budget will be offered to a team of marketing professionals who will present a proposal to the BOD. Yet, we already started social media marketing, a beautiful YouTube video (you can click on the link below to view). Letters of support from the presidents of the various bourses are being sent. Many big companies market the site to their customers, and much more is on the way.

• At this time there are no restrictions. Anyone that qualifies can register.

• Upgrades are being developed regularly with site improvements done on a daily basis. Most recent updates, a search by city utility and an ability to WhatsApp directly through the site. An application for Android is completed, and much more on the way.

• Currently there are three levels of support, from basic questions (level 1) to technical questions with call center in Europe and Israel (level 2) to bug fixing and improvement by the programmers (level 3).

• I don’t know exactly but I am pretty sure that currently it has over 10 languages.

• You mean where customers can integrate the listing as their own, on their site? I can say yes with confidence, although I am not sure, when, how or what restrictions there may be.

• The platform was written with the ability to integrate jewelry into it at a later time, I am quite positive that it won’t be long before we will add jewelry trading to the platform.

• There are many ideas currently in development, such as auctions for both rough and polished diamonds, such as publishing news etc. It is just too early to say anything specific.

• All diamonds can be listed.

• This position is an elected position, I am not sure…I think that now that you asked I will bring it up at the next board meeting 

• The current acting president of the WFDB Yoram Dvash asked me to join the team that he formed on behalf of WFDB. On the team are Mr. Yoram Dvash (who is the President of the bourse in Israel) Mr. Anoop Mehta President of Bharat bourse in India, Mr. Philippe Barsamian President of the bourse in Antwerp, Mr. Reuven Kaufman President of the bourse in NY and myself. We were all under shut-down at homes due to COVID-19, and found ourselves on Zoom meetings hours upon hours almost daily. At that point, we (I) became so involved in this project, and I realized that this is a one of a kind opportunity to do something really great for our industry and of course for our members at DCWC.
• I just got more and more involved and decided to ‘give it all’ together with Yoram and the great team of WFDB Presidents, and our counterparts from UDA. We all just want it to succeed for our members!