Jovella 2008 Opens Tuesday in Tel Aviv

Jovella 2008, the international jewelry exhibition held annually in Tel Aviv, Israel, opened Tuesday. Some 160 companies offering jewelry, watches and pens will exhibit at the three-day show.

Approximately 100 buyers have confirmed their arrival, organizers said, and about 10,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Jovella will feature an Israeli Designers Avenue and will hold a seminar on future trends.

The exhibition is supported by a large number of institutions, including the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor's Administration of Diamonds, Precious Stones and Jewelry; the Israel Diamond Institute, the Israel Jewelry Manufacturers Association and the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.

Israel is one of the largest global diamonds centers, supplying the U.S. with more than half its annual diamond consumption.