December 2016 | Business View Caribbean

118 119 DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL stores throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States under its corporate label, which also includes Tanzanite Inter- national, DI Watch & Design, and Tequileria International. The company sells diamonds, tanzanite, high-end watches, semi-precious stones, and fine jewelry of all kinds: rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and accessories. It bills itself as “the largest duty-free jeweler in the world.” Diamonds International is also one of only about 87 worldwide “Sightholders” of the De Beers Group, which sources and sells 35 percent of the world’s diamonds. Sightholders have the opportunity of buying their diamonds straight from De Beers. This is a huge benefit because when buying directly from the source, there are no middlemen. In order to become a Sight- holder, a company must commit to buying a certain amount of diamonds every year and obey certain other policies and guide- lines set forth by De Beers, including the implementation of best business, social, and environmental practices. In addition, Diamonds International must abide by the Clean Diamond Trade Act, and be in com- pliance with all laws and regulations that ensure that its diamonds are 100 percent conflict free. Sarit Eitan is Managing Director of Dia- monds International, St. Lucia, which began operations on the island in 2001. “Today, we have five stores,” he says, “two in Port AT A GLANCE DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL WHAT: An international jewelry manufacturer and retailer WHERE: Headquarters in New York City, USA WEBSITE: www.diamonds international.com Sightholders have the opportunity of buying their diamonds straight from De Beers. This is a huge benefit be- cause when buying directly from the source, there are no middlemen. In addition, Diamonds International must abide by the Clean Diamond Trade Act, and be in compliance with all laws and regulations that ensure that its dia- monds are 100 percent conflict free.