On Wednesday July 15th, around 60 Israeli diamond companies took part in a  first-of-its-kind internal bourse diamond fair, organised by the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE). This fair was “aimed at increasing the amount of trading in polished goods between bourse members” said IDE.

Dubbed “Blue and White Day”, the polished diamond trade fair, was held in the IDE Trading Hall, and, IDE said, achieved its goal with strong trading by the diamond companies which participated in the event.

IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer welcoming the participants at the fair, said: "We have revived the Exchange today. We were of two minds whether to hold the fair, and now it looks like we need to start work on the next edition in view of the large number of participants. Well done to Ben Tzion Shashu who was the main spirit behind this project."

Schnitzer added: "More buyers have been arriving lately at the bourse, and this has created a positive trend here, and I'm optimistic about the future."

The President also extended an invitation to members to participate in a special meeting to be held at the bourse. "Next week, a long discourse will be held between IDE members and the Board to discuss the possibilities for promoting diamond trading in light of the situation prevailing in the market,” he said. “The exchange is working day and night to improve the situation and I hope and believe that this event today is an important step on the way."

IDE Vice President and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Blue and White fair, Ben Zion Shashu, commented: "I'm glad the initiative adopted in order to revive the Trading Hall and to bring here all the office owners to display their goods has worked so well.”

He added: "This is the first time we have held this fair, and after it ends we will look at the conclusions and lessons learned in order to improve it for next time.”

Pic Cap: Blue and White Day in progress at IDE Trading Hall