DiamondBuzz
Israel Diamond Exchange quits WFDB amid tariff dispute
The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) has suspended its membership in the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), citing dissatisfaction with the organisation’s conduct during the ongoing US import tariff crisis, Rapaport News reported.
In a letter to WFDB Secretary-General Rony Unterman on 8th April, the IDE board said the decision followed unanswered requests for information and actions that had harmed Israel’s diamond trade. IDE President Nissim Zuaretz told Rapaport the move was triggered by WFDB President Yoram Dvash’s comments in Calcalist, where he criticised country-specific lobbying and promoted a global strategy for tariff exemptions.
Zuaretz accused Dvash of trying to take credit for advocacy led by the World Diamond Council (WDC), potentially jeopardising Israel’s own efforts. Dvash denied the claims, telling Rapaport they were “untrue and frankly absurd,” and emphasised the WFDB’s ongoing collaboration with the WDC.
Zuaretz said the IDE would shift focus to partnerships with the WDC and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), while also saving over $29,000 in annual fees. Dvash described IDE’s withdrawal as “rash,” warning it could weaken global unity at a critical time for the industry.
DiamondBuzz
The Great Indian Diamonds: A Closer Look At India’s Most Iconic Diamonds
De Beers Highlights India’s Historic Role In Shaping The Global Diamond Legacy Through A Curated Archive Of Iconic Gems
De Beers’ A Diamond is Forever marks Diamond Month with the release of “The Great Indian Diamond Archive”, a deep dive into 12 of the world’s legendary diamonds, all of which trace their origins back to India.
For centuries, diamonds have drawn attention for their brilliance and rarity, often associated with wealth, power, and prestige. What is less widely known, however, is that the story of diamonds began in India. Some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Koh-i-Noor, trace their origins back to the country.
At a time when much of the world was unfamiliar with diamonds, India had already established itself as a centre for diamond mining. The Golconda region was one of the earliest and most significant sources, producing several historic gems. Many of these diamonds were found along the Krishna River and eventually travelled across continents through trade, becoming part of royal treasuries.
Historical records suggest that diamond mining in India dates back to the 4th century BCE, making it one of the oldest known traditions in the world. Over time, these diamonds became associated with different rulers, empires, and geographies, each adding a new layer to their identity.
Diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, Regent, and Daria-i-Noor continue to be among the most talked about and valuable gems globally. Today, some are housed in museums, while others remain part of private or royal collections. Several of these diamonds have also been re-cut over time, changing both their appearance and identity.
Bringing these stories together, The Great Indian Diamond Index presents 12 of the most prominent diamonds associated with India. Developed as part of De Beers’ initiative, the index brings them into one place for the first time.
Rather than looking at these diamonds only as precious objects, the index traces their full journey—from their natural origins to their historical and cultural significance. It combines physical attributes with context to offer a more complete view of their legacy.
The list has been compiled using a structured research framework developed specifically as The Great Indian Diamond Index.
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