The first sale of Gem Diamonds’ high quality Letšeng production to be held outside of Antwerp, will be organised at the International Tender Center (ITC). Hosted by The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), the  tender will mainly feature large high value rough diamonds (+10.80 ct) consisting of single stones;  but will also include a selection of top quality/colour 5 - 10 ct stones from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho. 

“The viewing will take place at the ITC in the Israel bourse complex from October 15 - 18, 2017. Additional viewing of the rough will take place in Antwerp from October 23 - November 2, 2017,” the exchange announced.

Gem Diamonds’ CEO Clifford Elphick said:  “After selling ten years exclusively out of Antwerp, Gem Diamonds is delighted to introduce the high quality Letšeng production to the Israel Market. We hope to enhance our relationships with existing Israeli clients, establish new ones and seize opportunities within the Tel Aviv Diamond market.”

Shai Schnitzer, Chairman of IDE’s Rough Diamonds Committee commented: “We are very excited to be hosting Gem Diamonds first tender of top quality, large Letšeng production outside of Antwerp. The Israel Diamond market is a major buyer of large and exceptional stones and this tender is certainly win-win for both sides.” 

IDE President Yoram Dvash said: “We launched the International Tender Center last February in order to introduce important diamond producing and trading companies to the Israel market, and to make these goods more accessible to our members. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive and the ITC has been very busy since it was opened. The Gem Diamonds tender is a significant achievement and we are very optimistic that we will continue hosting them in the future.”