Ernie Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), and the Federation’s EXCO have congratulated and appreciated the initiative of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, The Antwerp Bourse and the Israel Diamond Exchange to host international diamond weeks or trade fairs to develop trade amongst member affiliated bourses in Antwerp, New York and Tel Aviv.

WFDB noted that, “In an ever changing world, our member bourses have shown vision in assisting with the development of bourses and creating new initiatives that assist the diamond industry in securing a long term future for the industry. We encourage our members around the world to develop initiatives that will secure an orderly and well-functioning industry.”

“These events create a secure environment to trade in polished diamonds and allow potential buyers to see a vast range of merchandise,” Blom commented. Thousands of diamond dealers converge to trade and network amongst other members of the diamond fraternity and feedback indicates that they are contributing to the revival of the old style trading floors. The scope of these platforms has further broadened with educational seminars to update diamond dealers on critical issues affecting the industry throughout the world.

The success of these platforms is evident in the value of business concluded. As one bourse president stated: “the relationship has been extremely positive for members of clubs which is a clear demonstration of the critical role bourses play in our contemporary diamond industry.”