Susan Jacques, President and CEO of GIA (Gemological Institute of America), will be the guest of honor of the International Diamond Week to be held September 1-4 at the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE).
"It will be our honor to host Susan Jacques at the upcoming diamond week," said Schnitzer. "Women play an increasingly important role in the diamond gem and jewelry supply pipeline and Ms. Jacques is yet another shining example of how women have succeeded and climbed the career ladder in our industry," he stated.
"At the IDE, we currently have some 250 female bourse members, which is just under 10 percent of the total membership. However, looking at the numbers of women among our young, candidate members, it is obvious that their numbers will rise soon. I am sure that the GIA president will be offering them sound advice."
In her acceptance letter, GIA President Susan Jacques wrote: "I am honored to be recognized by such a respected organization, one that plays such an important role in the industry. My career has taken many delightful turns and I....appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences."
Ella Melamed, a rough diamond specialist, is a member of the IDW organizing committee and a prominent member of IDE's Women's Business Forum. "Worldwide, female diamond exchange members are still a small minority, but in Israel we're making very fast progress. We're therefore looking forward to meeting Ms. Jacques, to hear her speak her mind and to exchange ideas!"
As in previous editions of the International Diamond Week, qualified and confirmed buyers will be offered up to four free hotel nights in the designated venue hotels. "We have booked rooms at several hotels close to the Ramat Gan diamond exchange complex," said Moti Besser, the IDE's general manager. "They will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and therefore, we urge interested buyers to register quickly and not to wait."
The September show will also feature an exclusive polished diamond auction by the Rapaport Group. Meanwhile, negotiations are also taking place with other partners for the organization of additional, value-adding events during the week.
