Did you know that the Israel diamond exchange (Bursa) is considered to be a world leader in the diamond industry featuring the largest diamond trading floor anywhere in on the planet?
But Why Israel…
Many attribute its location as a crossroads between Africa (where most rough diamonds are mined) and Asia and Europe. Located in Ramat Gan, a Tel Aviv suburb directly adjacent to the central train station. The diamond district is comprised of four buildings (Shimshom, Maccabi, Noam, and the latest 32 story Diamond Tower) interconnected with elevated walkways.
The Bursa as it is often referred to has an upbeat atmosphere and you can feel the electricity in the air. The buildings comprising the exchange contain over 1000 offices, restaurants, banks, and a post office. It is essentially a small city within the city. There are approximately 2800 members (aka. diamantaires) who engage in cutting, marketing, trading, as well as importing and exporting of diamonds and other precious stones. The Israel Diamond Exchange is unique as it is not only a distribution and global trading center, but also finest quality diamond cutting by the best diamond cutters in the world.
Interesting Fact: In 2010, the diamond industry in Israel became the chair of the Kimberly Process certification scheme whose objective is to prevent blood diamonds from entering the mainstream market.
The diamond industry is a very secured environment, where family and trust are the cornerstones of their society. Despite the relatively ease of deceit or theft with these tiny precious stones, the incidences of such activity is almost unheard of. A breach of trust is very serious and will carry with it the penalty of being shamed and excluded from the community for life.
Israel Diamond Exchange – A Brief History
Short History – It all started in Antwerp Belgium when a Jewish diamond cutter named Van Berken invented the polishing wheel called a scaif that revolutionized the diamond cutting industry and made diamonds more polished and appealing. Even before the birth of the State of Israel, a diamond polishing plant was opened in Petach Tikva (another Tel Aviv suburb) in 1938 by refugees from Holland. From that time, the industry in Israel grew steadily. From 1967-1993, polished diamond exports from Israel increased from $ 200 Million to $3.4 Billion/year. Today, you can buy diamonds and precious stones at wholesale prices for a significant discount at the Israel diamond exchange.
However, make sure you only purchase from a reputable diamond vendor like Diamond Mines who can supply you with a Certificate of Authentication as well as a serial number that matches the engraved number on each diamond 1/2 Carat or larger.
More about Israel from Israel Travel Secrets.
Happy diamond hunting
Bruce
