February 14, 2016, Updated February 11, 2016

Hundreds of diamond dealers from around the world are in Israel this week for the winter edition of the International Diamond Week event at the Israel Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan. The February 14-18 expo includes displays of the world’s finest diamonds, a diamond technology show, and marketing panel discussions on the future of the industry.

Diamond buyers and jewelry representatives from more than 20 countries – including Panama, Italy, Hong Kong, Turkey, Russia, the US, China, Belgium, India, Germany, and Switzerland – are taking part in this dazzling event.

Renowned British jeweler Stephen Webster – who has been called ‘Jeweler to the Stars’ – is the event’s Guest of Honor. “I am excited to be coming back to Israel after an absence of more than 20 years, and look forward to take part in the International Diamond Week in Israel. High quality diamonds are an integral part of my own jewelry creations, as well as the jewelry of the house of Garrard. I expect to be seeing a lot of those quality diamonds on the exchange floor during my visit!” said Webster, who will take part in a diamond and jewelry marketing panel discussion.

Up close with diamonds at the Diamond Bourse. Photo by Flash90.
Up close with diamonds at the Diamond Bourse. Photo by Flash90

“One of my goals as president is to create much closer relationships with the world’s trendsetting jewelry designers and producers. Israel, as the world’s leading specialist in larger fancy shaped diamonds and fancy color diamonds has lots to offer to the top end of the jewelry design and manufacturing market. I am confident that Mr. Webster will be inspired with what he finds on our trading floor during the International Diamond Week in Israel,” said Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash.

Other leading industry players set to take part in the Diamond Week activities include Jean Marc Lieberherr, Chairman of the Diamond Producers Association; Nobel-prize winner Dr. Dan Shechtman, who has done significant research in diamonds; Alex Popov, Chairman of the World Diamond Mark Foundation, and Patricia Syvrud, Executive Director of the World Diamond Council.

These rare vivid colors result from naturally occurring conditions in diamond mines.
These rare vivid colors result from naturally occurring conditions in diamond mines.

The international exhibition coincides, of course, with Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for that special gift, it should be noted that Israel is well-known for its specialization in large, fancy shaped diamonds and fancy colored diamonds as well as its expert polishing techniques.

The Diamond, Gemstone and Jewelry Administration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry recently announced year-end figures for 2015. Net polished diamond exports for 2015 totaled $4,996 billion and net rough diamond exports for 2015 totaled $2,196 billion.

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