" The Diamond Chamber of Russia was established in 1996 by the leaders of the Russian diamond producing and manufacturing sector of industry. Among them were the Smolensk “Kristall” Company and other leading diamond polishing companies of Russia, the ALROSA Company, the State-owned Foreign-Trading Company “Almazjuvelirexport”, the Industrial and Financial Group “Dragotsennosti Urala”, banks co-operating with representatives of the diamond industry: International Joint-stock Bank, Mirny joint-stock commercial bank and the Sakha Diamond Bank, as well as other organisations and enterprises involved in the diamond industry, including those with foreign capital investments. Preparations of the required foundation documents was started in the mid-1995 and resulted in sighning of the Foundation Agreement on establishing the Diamond Chamber of Russia on April 29, 1996, with the purpose to promote development of the diamond market in Russia in conformity with the current international practice, and improve the international relations of its participants... " more

" The Smolensk State Unitary Corporation Kristall, set up in 1963, is today acknowledged as the leading Russian manufacturer of polished diamonds. Its Russian Cut diamonds are famous throughout the world for their high quality, ideal proportions and marvellous brilliance.

It is due to the efforts of Kristall that over many years, the term "Russian cut" has become an internationally renowned brand. The name Kristall in the world diamond market is associated with a flawless reputation and guaranteed reliability. The stake on the highest quality has justified itself and determined strong global demand for Smolensk diamonds. Today Smolensk can undoubtedly be called the Diamond Capital of Russia. " ... more

" Educational Programs of the GC
Three stages of educational programs are currently active for the training of experts in precious materials and jewelry: high education, secondary high education, courses for better qualification. Each stage can be resulted in training abroad in world's gemological and trade centers.
High education
In 1996 the Gemology Major was established in the Geological Department of the Moscow State University. Students were accepted according to general application. At the end of the second year students were transferred to the gemological specialization where they continued study at the agreement with the Roskomdragmet program. Together with traditional for the world's gemological institutes information the students are focusing ..." more