GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques was presented with the League of Honour award by the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) at the official opening of the new GIA laboratory in Israel.
Israel Diamond Exchange Vice President Yehezkel (Hezi) Blum welcomed Jacques and GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Research and Laboratory Officer Tom Moses at the start of the official opening event.
“We were very, very happy when the GIA opened a branch in Israel in 2011. Now, four years later, the GIA has decided to set up a large state of the art laboratory here… la creme de la creme. It’s a great advantage for us. I look forward to cooperation with you,” said Blum, ending with the words: "We are here to stay worldwide – the Israeli diamantaires – together with the GIA.”
Susan Jacques told the audience at the official opening ceremony in the presence of honored guests, including Israel Diamond Institute Chairman Shmuel Schnitzer, “I hope the International Diamond Week in Israel has been a successful week for everybody. I believe that the industry has bottomed out and we will once again soar to great heights."
Speaking on the role of the GIA and its future activities in Israel, she commented, “The GIA has a very simple mission – to ensure public trust in gems and jewelry. We look forward to bringing m ore educational services to the Israeli diamond industry in the coming period."
Susan Jacques receiving the IDE League of Honour award from Hezi Blum while Tom Moses and IDE Managing Director Eli Avidar look on.
Meanwhile, Moses, talking about the new laboratory, said: “We are very proud of the commitment we have made to the Israeli diamond trade. GIA is delighted to be here, and I’m really excited to see the growth at the GIA here.
"When I started at the GIA, there were less than 100 employees worldwide. Now the GIA in Israel alone counts more than 100 employees. Since we have expanded we will be introducing more services in order to fulfill all the needs of the Israeli diamond industry. We look forward to providing these services to you in the future,” said Moses.
The official opening ceremony of the GIA laboratory in Israel concluded with Executive Vice President of the Israel Diamond Exchange Yehezkel (Hezi) Blum awarding Susan M. Jacques The League of Honour of the Israel Diamond Exchange certificate.
The IDE League of Honour certificate reads: The League of Honour of the Israel Diamond Exchange is awarded to Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO, Gemological Institute of America Inc. (GIA), for her dedication to transparency and professionalism in the field of gemology, and her contribution to the international diamond.
