The Israel Diamond Jewelry Association (IDJ) was officially launched on February 16 at a ceremony held on the sidelines of International Diamond Week in Israel (IDWI).
The IDJ Statement of Purpose was signed by Yoram Dvash, president of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE); Cibjo President Gaetano Cavalieri and Israel Diamond Institute Chairman Shmuel Schnitzer. It cited the significance of the diamond jewellery field as an integral part of the Israeli diamond industry, and noted the role of jewellers in bringing about the expansion of the consumer market for diamonds.
Dvash applauded Cavalieri as the guiding light who brought the jewellery industry to the centre of attention of the world diamond industry.
“We look forward to productive cooperation with Cibjo. Together, we will put Israel at the centre of the world map of jewellery,” he said.
Later, at a gala reception for IDWI participants, the Israeli diamond industry again emphasised the importance of diamond jewellery to the industry, with the presentation of a special award to renowned designer Stephen Webster. The IDE Appreciation Award was given to Webster for his pursuit of excellence in jewellery design and craftsmanship, and for his contribution to the advancement of the international jewellery industry.
Webster, who works mostly in gold and diamonds, said, “From the conversations I had during the day, I have come to the conclusion that we need to cooperate so that the diamond – from rough through polishing and on to the final piece of jewellery – will continue to be beautiful and profitable. Our success depends on having conversations among all parts of the industry. I’ll be very happy to be a part of the ongoing conversation,” the designer said.
[Source:-Jewellerynewsasia]