Smolensk-based Kristall at JUNWEX-Moscow 2012

Smolensk-based Kristall, Russia’s top-tier diamond manufacturer presented its subsidiary, Smolensk Diamonds, in the course of the JUNWEX Moscow 2012 Jewelry Show once again having demonstrated the highest level of professionalism both in production and in the field of business and new strategies.
In 2013, Kristall is going to celebrate the 50th anniversary since its foundation and is afoot to launch a series of unique projects and events, including some on the federal level.
Kristall’s CEO Maxim Shkadov, also being Chairman of the Association of Diamond Manufacturers of Russia and Vice President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), held a press conference in the run-up to the mega-event describing the company’s achievements during the recent five years and its plans for the future and sharing some secrets of success of such a large-scale and cost-effective diamond business.
“Today, our factory has become the largest manufacturer of high-quality polished diamonds in Europe, producing stones of the so-called “Russian Cut.” We produce a great amount of diamonds consistent with the Double Excellent and Triple Excellent international standards,” Maxim Shkadov said. “Such globally renowned brands as Harry Winston, Tiffany, Cartier, and Chopard are our permanent customers. We can proudly claim that our company can offer the highest level of service and range of polished diamonds. About 98% of our polished production is exported. Following the results of 2011, the company posted a record revenue of over 16 billion rubles ($570 million), while previously, in 2008, the revenue stood at merely 9 billion rubles ($300 million). Our net profit reached 288 million rubles ($9.7 million) in 2011.”
“The company has laid out a plan of production to 2020 and its major focus will be on innovation in order to create the most high-tech industrial base in the world. The factory will undergo a complete retooling for its anniversary demonstration.
We analyze the current market and competition trends within it on an annual basis taking timely decisions to develop our product range. And certainly we pin our hopes on future growth and development of the Russian jewellery market, which will finally be ready for consumption of premium diamonds,” Maxim Shkadov stated.
For the 50th anniversary of the parent company, Smolensk Diamonds displayed a unique collection of 500 diamonds, which were picked up by size, color and clarity. Also presented were exclusive fancy color diamonds and a complete well matching set of diamonds.
Kristall, which is a manufacturing group being the first and only Russian sightholder of DTC, cemented its status as Russia’s strategic enterprise, the fact, which makes Kristall to maintain its top-ranking position in the global market. Some time ago, it was Smolensk’s Kristall that started to develop the diamond cutting industry in Russia.
Within the frames of JUNWEX Moscow 2012, Kristall’s experts also organized a training workshop for store managers, specialists and merchandise clerks running a visual presentation of how diamonds are classified, whereas factory specialists shared their knowledge and subtleties of their work.
Kristall is a public company and is 100% owned by the Russian state. Its main suppliers of rough diamonds are ALROSA and DTC. Kristall’s group of companies also includes four foreign offices in Antwerp, Hong Kong, New York and Dubai.
The anniversary of Kristall promises to become a momentous event in the diamond industry. Next May, the Russian manufacturer will launch a commemorative event; it also plans a press tour for journalists next spring. Kristall’s jubilee year will be brought to a close with a solemn ceremony in October, which will be organized for foreign partners and guests in Antwerp.