World Diamond Council, CIBJO Congresses Open in Tel Aviv

The World Diamond Council (WDC) and World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) congresses open this week in Tel Aviv, Israel, hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI).

The WDC congress lasts two days, and features meetings on the important issues affecting the diamond world, as well as social events organized by the IDI. Reforms of the WDC are on the agenda, and since president of the WDC Eli Izhakoff is to step down from the position shortly, the subject of the new president will be discussed.

The CIBJO congress officially opens the day after the WDC congress ends, though there are a number of committee meetings that run concurrently with the WDC meetings. The CIBJO congress features meetings on the subjects of diamonds, colored stones, pearls, gemology and more. Congress participants will be taken on a tour of the Israel Diamond Exchange and have a number of social events planned.

At the CIBJO gala dinner, hosted by the IDI on May 8th, the winners of the Excellence Awards will be announced. The Excellence Awards will be granted to two members of the Israel Diamond Exchange who will be recognized for developing an innovative and original diamond cut, and for a piece of diamond jewelry with a significance to the State of Israel.

"We are delighted to welcome so distinguished a groups of leaders, all of whom have a vested interest in the work of the World Diamond Council, within the context of the Kimberley Process," said Eli Izhakoff, WDC President. "Their presence underscores not only the importance of the event, but also the appreciation of the role played by the industry in ridding the world of conflict diamonds."

"The Israel Diamond Institute is honored to be able to welcome the leadership of our industry and our government partners in Tel Aviv," said Moti Ganz, IDI Chairman. "This is the third time that we have hosted such a gathering, and once again we feel compelled to provide whatever support we can to WDC's critical mission."

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