Providence, RI –November 1, 2012
Francis Mastoloni, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly announces the winners of CPAA’S 2012-2013 International Design competition. “We are very happy with the success of this year’s competition, entries from 13 countries we received” Mr. Mastoloni reported.

This 2012-2013 edition of the IPDC was truly International in scope.
Entries from thirteen countries were received. read more...

Israel’s third quarter diamond trade figures point to signs of recovery, according to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Diamond Controller Shmuel Mordechai,

Israel’s net polished diamond exports were $4.34 billion for the first three quarters of the year, compared to $5.83 billion for the same period last year, a decline of 25.6%.

“Judging by the last two important trade shows, in Mumbai and Hong Kong, we are definitely seeing an upward movement in the diamond trade. Though we still have some way to go before we reach last year’s figures, which were Israel’s best ever, I am confident that the positive trend will continue through the rest of the year,” said Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI)

Net rough diamond exports totaled $2.07 billion for the first nine months of 2012, compared to $2.98 billion, a 30.6% decrease. Net imports of rough diamonds were $2.65 billion, compared to $3.514 billion for the same period last year, a 24.7 % drop.

Net polished imports stood at $3.08 billion, 26.1 % less than in the first three quarters of 2011, when they totaled $4.17 billon.

Geneva--Christie’s Geneva will hold a sale of Magnificent Jewels here on Nov. 13 and will offer 350 lots, including colorless and colored diamonds, Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, Kashmir sapphires, natural pearls and signed jewels. The auction is expected to realize approx. $53.6 million. read more...

This fancy pink diamond ring is expected to fetch $5 million at Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva Nov. 13.

Hong Kong, October 4, 2012 – The IU Awards presentation ceremony was held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Hall on September 21. Around 200 people gathered at the grand foyer to celebrate and appreciate the winning pieces.

IU Awards is the first international gem-cutting and jewelry design competition dedicated to promoting colored gemstones. “IU” stands for the initials of International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and UBM Asia. There are two categories in the IU Awards competition: jewellery design and gem-cutting.

This year, IU Awards received 221 entries from 25 countries and regions around the world. The final judging of the IU Awards was held on June 22 when eight awardees were selected.

IDI made the announcement on Oct. 4 that Moti Ganz was re-elected as Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) by its Board of Directors.

“I am grateful to the Board of Directors for this vote of confidence, and promise to continue to act for the advancement of the Israeli Diamond Industry.” said Ganz.

Ganz also serves as President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and Honorary President of Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA).