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GLIMPSES OF WORLD GEMS CENTERS WEST ASIA ISRAEL

Israel, one of the Big Three in diamond processing with India and Belgium, has also been endeavouring to become a world colored gemstones centre.
Israel is located on the eastern flank of the Mediterranean Sea. For an area of 20,700 sq.kms., it has a population of about 4.7 million. Hebrew is the official language and Shekel the unit of currency.

Major Diamond Industry : Although Israel mines no diamonds, yet it is one of the Big Three of Diamonds, along with India and Belgium. It is importing rough through the D.T.C. and many other independent sources.

The diamond processing factories in the country are located at Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Netanya, Petah Tekva, Bnei Brek, Darusalem, etc. The diamond industry employs about 6,500 to 7,000 workers now. Israel specializes in cutting larger diamonds, but now it is concentrating on smalls and producing fancies too. Diamond is the largest industrial export of Israel. There are more than 800 diamond exporters. For polished production some Israeli companies have-located their branch units in India and China too. The Waldman Diamond Group, an international diamond manufacturing and trading firm that is headquartered in Israel, has secured in 2004 the exclusive marketing rights for the 'output of the Magna Egali mine, a highly mechanized mining operation in Sierra Leone that produces gem quality diamonds.
A licence is required for dealing in diamonds. About two thousand Israelis hold these licences.

Rough Diamond Bourse: On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Israel, the Israeli Diamond Exchange launched its Rough Diamond Bourse.

Tremendous Scientific Development: Israel has been developing the diamond industry very systematically on scientific lines. The Diamond Institute encourages innovation and conducts an extensive program of research and development of advanced cutting and polishing process. An experimental polishing plant is operated. This has resulted in the development and wide use of new automated, even computerized machines which are streamlining and perfecting Israel's diamond production. To encourage automation and update technology, a permanent exhibition of latest tools and equipment has also been put together.

Israel has even gone to the length of computerizing diamond cutting for optimal beauty and brilliance. A gem processing robot Robogem for colored gems has also been invented.
But not all diamond factories are hi-tech in Israel. According to a study, automation is not uniform. Smaller factories are yet to become fully mechanized

Diamond Tools: Israel is exporting diamond tools as well as processing machinery.

Colored Gemstones: After its achievement in the diamond sector, Israel has also been concentrating simultaneously on colored gemstones. Encouraging results have been obtained. The keen interest that Israel has been taking in this line is borne out by the fact that the country has the world's only Colored Gemstones Exchange dealing exclusively with colored gemstones. Founded in 1975, the Exchange has over 200 members currently and is housed in the new Diamond Exchange Building.

Emerald Focused: More than two-thirds of the Israeli colored gemstones trade is in emeralds. Israel started specializing in the cutting of emeralds in the 60s. Advanced technology is the key to the rapid growth of the Israeli emerald industry. The industry which has its own technical research group is said to be continually stepping up its dedication to the technological side of productibn to produce the perfectly finished gem at minimal loss of rough caratage. Robots, in fact, will now fashion the precious green stones into fashionable gems at Israeli plants. A machine for mass production of emeralds cut in calibrated sizes has since been perfected.

Major cutting factories are organized under the Israel Emerald Cutters' Association.

Official Support : Official regulations act to encourage precious stone manufacturing and trading in Israel. There is no duty on the import of rough materials. There is no need for import licenses as every trader can personally handcarry roughs for sales in Israel. There is no import duty on polished colored gemstones and no restrictions or duties on their exports.

The Israel gems industry is served by a number of organizations and institutions, which are as follows: 1. Ministry of Industry & Trade: Diamond & Precious Stones
Division, Office of the Diamond Controller

2. Israel Diamond Institute -I.D.I.,

3. The Israel Diamond exchange Ltd.

4. Israel Diamond Manufacturers' Association,

5 Association for the Advancement of Diamond Manufacturing in Israel- KIDUM,

6 The Israel Precious Stones & Diamonds Exchange Ltd.

7. The New Club for Commerce in Diamonds Ltd. - Etgar,

8. Organization of Brokers & Agents in the Diamond Trade in Israel,

9 Gemological Institute Laboratories of Israel- Gili AND

10 Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum.