The International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently hosted Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) board members at its New York laboratory, in a show of support for the DDI's mission to improve conditions in diamond mining regions worldwide.

According to the National Jeweler, the visit came about after the Diamond Development Initiative expressed interest in holding a board of directors meeting in New York City, in an effort to gain a better understanding of the US diamond industry.

The IGI opened up its laboratory, so that the DDI members could observe firsthand the role of a modern grading facility in the industry.

The Diamond Development Initiative's visit included DDI Executive Director Dorothee Gizenga, Chairman Ian, who is a conflict diamond expert and one of the key architects of the Kimberley Process, and DDI board member Andrew Bone, who is director of international relations at De Beers, along with several staff members.

"We were humbled to welcome members of the Diamond Development Initiative to our laboratory and support the organization's important work," IGI President and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Ehrenwald said in a press release.