Leading British, family-owned retail jewellery chain F. Hinds, established in 1856 has become the first British retail jeweller to join the World Diamond Mark (WDM) Authorised Diamond Dealer programme this month, the WDM announced yesterday. F. Hinds operates 118 stores in the United Kingdom, and all of the stores will carry the WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer Seal, it added.

The retailer is planning further expansion in 2017, the year it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the launch of its online sales programme. It has been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) since 2008.

Andrew Hinds, Director, described the move as a  logical step for the firm and said, "We are continuously looking to improve our reach, services and sales to the consumer public and the WDM's mission to rekindle consumer desire for diamonds, and the consumer campaign and service programmes it is developing are completely in sync with our company's objectives."

Hinds is the most recent past-Chairman of the UK’s National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and, as a qualified gemmologist, is responsible for buying F. Hinds' diamond jewellery. He personally hand-selects all the diamonds for the group's certificated solitaires.

WDM Chairman Alex Popov said, "WDM could not have found a better retailer to become the first accredited WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer in the UK. F. Hinds' reputation is immaculate, and we are honoured to have the firm, with all of its 118 branches, on board with us. This milestone comes just before we launch the WDM's first consumer oriented campaign 'Part of You' on www.passion.diamonds."

Pic caption: Alex Popov (left) and Andrew Hinds (right) after signing the agreement