Israel's Rough Diamond Week Officially Opened

The five-day event, taking place in the Rough Trading Hall, includes rough diamond tenders by Alrosa, De Beers Auction Sales, Rio Tinto Diamonds, I Hennig/ Fusion Alternatives and Israeli-French company Tzoffey's.

The International Rough Diamond Week, which runs through to Thursday, has been officially opened by Israel Diamond Exchange President Shmuel Schnitzer.
 
IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer said the IDE intends to hold an International Rough Diamond Week several times a year. "This is a long-term initiative that will strengthen and boost Israel's position as the world's most versatile and dynamic diamond trading hub.

"Rough diamond trading is an essential component of our industry's vitality. We have the resources, infrastructure and a highly motivated, closely knit diamond business community."

One of the highlights of the week will be an exceptional vivid blue 29.6-carat diamond purchased by New York luxury diamond brand Cora International LLC which the company has agreed to display at the Rough Week event.

The diamond was recovered by Petra Diamonds Limited at the Cullinan mine in South Africa and purchased by Cora International for approximately $25.5 million.

IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer said, "The first edition of the International Rough Diamond Week sees the participation of leading international mining companies such as De Beers, Alrosa, Rio Tinto and others. The exceptional 29.6-carat blue diamond put on display by Cora International is the jewel in the crown of the week. We will see goods worth many hundreds of millions of dollars on offer and this further enhances the status of the Israel Diamond Exchange on the world's diamond map."