Shmuel Mordechai, Israel's Diamond Controller and Manager of the Diamonds, Precious Stones and Jewelry Administration in the Ministry of Economics, said his office will give all possible assistance to Israeli diamantaires participating in April's US & International Diamond Week in Israel, and make sure their diamonds will be on the bourse trading floor in time for the opening of the event on April 6.

"March and April are busy months for the Israeli diamond business community," Mordechai said. "Next week, a large contingent of companies will be participating in the Hong Kong International Jewellery show. This is followed by the International Rough Diamond Week, right here on the trading floor of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) and in April a significant number of firms will be working at the shows in Freiburg and Basel."

Israeli’s net rough diamond exports totaled $2.2 billion, compared to $2.1 for the first three quarters of 2012, an increase of 8.5%.

For the Diamond Controller office and the staff handling the import and export services, this means a lot of work. Mordechai indicated that the short time frame between the conclusion of the shows in Europe and the opening of the US & International Diamond Week in Israel would require his staff to take special measures to channel the returning goods from the shows through customs and his office facilities, quickly and effectively. "Luckily, we have a lot of experience in these matters and I am sure we'll come up with the solutions and get it all done, to the satisfaction of all parties," Mordechai added.

IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer emphasized that the Diamond Controller's office is one of the key service providers that contributes to the success and versatility of the Israel diamond industry and trade. "The Diamond Controller usually operates in the background, and therefore, not all are aware of the crucial role the government offices play in sustaining our industry's performance and strength. This is a good opportunity to sing his praise!" the IDE president concluded