Applying to the Bourse
Membership is granted by the London Diamond Bourse Council of Management. Every applicant requires sponsorship and/or references, followed by a short interview with the Council, either in person or on Zoom.
Who can apply
- ♦Twenty-one or over.
- ♦At least one year in the diamond and jewellery trade before applying.
- ♦A UK registered company. You may trade through a limited company, but you remain personally liable for everything undertaken in your name or on your behalf.
- ♦Current Jewellery Block insurance, held at the time you apply, not arranged afterwards.
Personal liability is not a formality. It is the basis on which members trade with one another here, and it survives the company you trade through.
Sponsors or references
Two member sponsors
Two current members of the Bourse who know you personally sign the form, certifying that your information is correct and that your business is of good standing.
Three trade references
If you do not know two members, three recognised businesses in the trade can act as a reference for you. Each gives their company, address, contact details and how long they have traded with you.
The completed pack
When you return your application, make sure all sections are completed, signed and all accompanying documents are attached.
Signed in two places
- Sections 01 and 02, completed in block capitals
- Section 03, signed by your sponsors or listing your three references
- Section 04, the declaration, signed and dated
- Section 05, the terms and conditions, signed and dated
Three documents
- A copy of your driving licence and passport
- A copy of your Jewellery Block insurance policy
- A passport-sized photograph, by email or post
How admission works
The Council meets to decide on membership. The stages below are set out in the rules and apply to every applicant.
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The office
Your application is checked
The office will contact you to confirm your application has been received, and will check that the form is complete, the enclosures are there and your sponsors or referees are eligible.
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Verification
Identity and standing are verified
Checks are made with credit reference agencies, with your insurer, and with the sponsors or referees you named. You consent to this when you sign the declaration.
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In person or on Zoom
A short interview with the Council
A conversation about your trading, your experience and what you want from membership, held in person or on Zoom. The full rules and by-laws are sent to you by email beforehand.
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Two weeks
The holding period
Your application is posted on the board on the trading floor for members to see. Members have two weeks to object or submit comments.
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The Council
The decision
Providing all checks have been satisfied and no credible objections made, the Council will accept your application and admit you for membership.
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Before you start
The subscription is paid
Membership begins once the subscription has been paid. Monthly standing order can be arranged, by prior approval, collected on the first of the month.
Subscriptions and the membership year
Three tiers, all carrying the same standing and the same obligations. What differs is how much of the building you use.
- ♦The membership year runs 1 October to 30 September. Join part way through and the first year is charged pro rata.
- ♦Members commit to a full year. Resignations take effect on 30 September and must reach the office by 1 September.
- ♦You may move up a tier during the year, but not down.
Download and return
Download the application form, including full terms and conditions of membership. Complete it in block capitals, sign both declarations and return it in full.
A full copy of the rules and by-laws is sent by email on request, and in any case before your interview.
London Diamond Bourse
100 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8NX
or email natalie@londondiamondbourse.com
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