International Rough Diamond Week Opens at IDE
May 22, 16
(IDEX Online News) – The 3rd International Rough Diamond Week in Israel opened today (Sunday) at the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) in Ramat Gan, with the expectation of a productive week of strong tender sales.
IDE president Yoram Dvash began proceedings and welcomed participants to the exchange’s rough trading hall. He said it was important that a positive business atmosphere had been created, with participants keen on doing business.
Dvash added that the first step of enabling the sale of more rough at IDE was important in increasing Israel’s profile as a major rough trading hub – enhancing its reputation as a center for polishing large stones in particular. The presence of big industry players such as Rio Tinto, which brought the Diavik Foxfire, the largest stone recovered from its North American mines, ALROSA and De Beers. Rough stones at the latter producer included a 245.2-carat D-color, 32.33-carat Vivid Pink and an 18.35-carat Intense Pink diamond.
Chairman of the International Rough Diamond Week Shai Schnitzer said it was important to allow vendors access to worldwide tenders and sales. He said that buyers were welcome at the exchange, and hoped that the event would emphasize the strength of the Israeli hub – including the sale of rough from new countries of origin.
The 3rd International Rough Diamond Week runs until May 26.