The sixth International Diamond Week in Israel has been officially opened during a festive ceremony in the bustling rough trading hall of the Israel Diamond Exchange in the presence of distinguished guests from overseas and hundreds of Israeli diamond dealers.
Recently elected President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) Yoram Dvash opened the proceedings by welcoming the many dignitaries from overseas.
“It is my great honor to open the sixth International Diamond Week in Israel. Every opportunity to witness a packed rough trading hall in the Israel Diamond Exchange is most welcome,” said Dvash. The IDE President detailed some of the initiatives that the bourse has undertaken since he took office just weeks ago, speaking of his visions for the IDE.
“We are all in the same boat. I call on everyone to think outside the box. This is what we do in the Israel Diamond Exchange and this is what we must all do in our private diamond businesses,” noted Dvash, speaking of the need for the bourse to make all the changes required to adjust to the new normal in the diamond sector.
Dvash spoke of the Israel Diamond Jewelry initiative, explaining that it “reflects our recognition of the need to shorten the distance between diamond dealers and diamond jewelry manufacturers. We have to find the optimum way to get us closer to the end consumer,” noted Dvash.
“Here in Israel you can find everything under one roof. We will continue to work together for the benefit of all. This is a win-win situation,” concluded Dvash, wishing everyone a fruitful week.
Eli Izhakoff, Chairman of the World Jewelry Hub in Panama and Honorary Lifetime President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses amongst other positions, enthused about the trade in the Israel Diamond Exchange rough trading hall. “Just look around you. There is nothing like this in the world,” explained Izhakoff.
Looking to the current situation in the global diamond industry, Izhakoff noted, “As they say ‘you aint seen nothing yet’. Things look more optimistic than they have before. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” concluded Izhakoff.
President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association Kobi Korn welcomed the guests to the IDWI. “The Israel Diamond Exchange has made much effort and great investment to continue the tradition of the International Diamond Week in Israel,” said Korn. “2015 was not a good year for the diamond business. 2016 has started with signs of improvement. I hope it will be a good year – we need it,” he concluded.
Israel Diamond Institute Chairman and former President of the Israel Diamond Exchange Shmuel Schnitzer welcomed the various dignitaries attending International Diamond Week in Israel. “I am very pleased that the tradition of International Diamond Week in Israel is continuing. It is heartwarming to see so many members of the diamond industry here today. We hope that 2016 will bring better business results – this year we will enjoy more successful outcomes,” said Schnitzer.
CIBJO President Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri spoke of his close and fruitful relationship with the Israeli diamond industry. “When I heard of the Israel Diamond Jewelry initiative, I was very pleased to be able to offer the assistance of CIBJO. We will do all we can to help with this initiative,” noted Cavalieri.
Eli Avidar, recently appointed Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Exchange, welcomed all the participants in the International Diamond Week in Israel to take advantage of the Find Your Diamond software to assist in finding their exact diamond requirements.
“If the energy and enthusiasm we can feel in the air is anything to go by, this week is going to be a tremendous success,” said Avidar.
The opening ceremony officially concluded with the traditional banging of a gong.
With thanks to the Israel Diamond Institute.
