The Israel Diamond Institute has launched a new business-to-business Internet portal at www.diamond-il.co.il. The highlight of the portal is a powerful search engine that enables users to locate diamantaires by types of goods offered.

Upon registering, buyers are able to define the polished goods they are seeking by carat, color, cut, and clarity and rough diamonds by appropriate criteria. Users can access a full list of diamantaires, including contact details and company profile. In addition, the database offers an alphabetical index with similar information.

The portal is divided into two sections: an internal one in Hebrew for use by Israeli diamantaires, and an external one, in English, geared to customers from abroad.

The English section contains up-to-date information on news and events of interest to the industry, as well as special offers by airlines, hotels, and restaurants for registered members. A bulletin board will post business opportunities, and forums and chat groups are open to members.

The Hebrew section also offers users a digital daily planner, e-mail services, and the establishment of a company Web site. In addition, the portal streamlines the wait at Customs for users in Israel by enabling them to take a number “virtually.”