The World Diamond Congress in New York will have a decidedly international flavor, organizers said. The Congress will be held Oct. 17-20 at the Waldorf-Astoria.

The gala dinner will be at the United Nations Delegates Lounge and will feature ambassadors from diamond producing and manufacturing countries. There will also be an Israel night at the Rainbow Room, Indian festivities sponsored by the local Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association, a session sponsored by Antwerp’s Diamond High Council, and a performance by the Harlem Boys Choir.

“This is really an international event,” says Sylvain Ringer, chairman of the Congress Organizing Committee. “This will show people that America is open for the entire world.”

That’s more than just talk. This fall’s Congress, the first held in New York in 20 years, is one of the first major events in the U.S. since De Beers pled guilty to anti-trust charges—although at press time it was unclear how many De Beers employees would attend. De Beers employees previously did not enter the U.S. because of the indictment.

The event will also likely feature the admission of two new World Federation exchanges—in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Shanghai, China.

The gala dinner, sponsored by the Dubai Metals and Commodities Center will honor Lev Leviev, chairman, Leviev Group of Companies; Eli Izhakoff, chairman of the World Diamond Council; and Peter Gross, global head of diamonds for ABN and AMRO Bank.

The event is being hosted by the Diamond Dealers Club, under its president, Jacob Banda, and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association, headed by president Ronnie Friedman.

JCK