The Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) is leading industry participation in the brand new trade fair expressly for diamonds, Diamonds by JCK 2004. The event will take place Sept. 12 -13 at Pier 94 in New York City.

This boutique event is intended to showcase loose diamond manufacturers and dealers. In addition to the participants from Israel, diamond suppliers from Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, and the U.S. will be exhibiting. Attending the show will be high-end retailers, wholesalers, and diamond jewelry manufacturers who are seeking sources for loose stones.

Twenty-eight Israeli companies will be participating in this first-time event, most of them located in the “Israel Aisle.” The Israel Diamond Institute, at Booth 108, will be promoting the industry, advising buyers about their individual needs, and coordinating public relations activities.

The Israel Diamond Institute will be sponsoring the Welcome Cocktail Reception, which will take place on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. The only networking event to take place during the show, the welcome reception is expected to draw a huge number of participants.

“Diamonds are truly a unique product and deserve to be showcased separately,” said IDI Chairman Simcha Lustig. “We are very pleased that JCK has taken the initiative in organizing an event for this industry. The United States has traditionally been our largest market and we know how important diamonds are to the American consumer. We expect this to be a very interesting and successful show for Israeli diamond exporters.”

Israel exports approximately two-thirds of its polished diamonds to the U.S. Last year Israel’s polished exports to the U.S., before returns, exceeded $5.9 billion, out of a total of $8.9 billion. This year polished exports to the U.S. from January to July reached $4.1 billion, out of a total gross amount of $6.1 billion. Israel’s net polished exports stood at $5.53 billion in 2003, and reached $3.9 billion from January to July 2004.

JCK