Three of the world's largest diamond companies, all De Beers Sightholders and all three owned by Indian families, have inaugurated their Latin American offices in the Panama Diamond Exchange building at the World Jewelry Hub. The companies are Diarough, Jewelex and Kiran Gems.

Each office is headed by a Panama-based representative. With this, the three companies have officially commenced their operations in Latin America.

Diarough, which was established in Antwerp in 1972, and today operates offices and factories around the world, is a manufacturer of polished diamonds and jewellery, and a leading diamond wholesaler. It also is a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. The firm's office in Panama is headed by Leon Nevedrov.

Jewelex was established in Mumbai in 1966, and over the years has grown into a vertically integrated diamond and jewellery company, operating in the different manufacturing and trading hubs. With a chain of production designed to synchronise supply with market demand, the firm operates a dedicated research and development centre creating designs that match fast-changing fashion trends. Its office in Panama is headed by Sharon Schwartz.

Among the world's largest diamond and jewellery companies, Kiran Gems was established in Mumbai in 1985. It is today considered the world's largest manufacturer of diamonds, processing about 1.6 million carats of polished goods annually. It office in Panama is headed by Nathan Abadi.

"The opening of Panama office is an important step for our company," said Ashit Parikh, President of Emby International/Diarough in New York. "We see it as our springboard into Latin America, and the center from which we will be able to consolidate and manage our business in what clearly will be the focal point of a rapidly expanding market. Clients who work with us though Panama City will have the same access to our goods and services that they would anywhere else in the world."

 "The Panama office will play a critical role in our expansion into the Latin American market," stated Nirav Doshi, who heads Jewelex New York. "Our proven strategy is to establish a physical presence in an emerging market, where we can ensure that customers get a product range best suited to meet their specific needs, along with shorter delivery lead times. By engaging our customers in an environment in which they feel comfortable, we are able to integrate our supply with their own planning and operating systems."