Belgium, Israel to Hold Online Diamond Fair

RAPAPORT... Belgian and Israeli industry organizations are jointly organizing a virtual trade show to compensate for the cancellation of major exhibitions around the world.The Online Diamond Trade Fair will run from March 30 to April 3, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) said in a note to dealers Tuesday. It will be open only to exhibitors from Antwerp and Israel, but buyers can "attend" from anywhere in the world."Due to the coronavirus, several trade fairs and buying opportunities this year have already been canceled," the groups said. "This is why AWDC and IDI decided to join forces and offer you a unique selling event that involves no viruses and enables you to sell diamonds from the comfort of your own office."Attendance is free for exhibitors and other diamond and jewelry professionals taking part. The AWDC and the IDI have asked sellers to upload stock lists in a Microsoft Excel template once they have registered, and provide an image or video of all stones. Diamonds must be natural and must be located in Antwerp or Israel. The application deadline is March 23.The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show were postponed from March to May due to the coronavirus, but traders are now doubting whether those events will take place at the new time. JCK Las Vegas, previously scheduled for June, has also been delayed, while Baselworld, which was due to occur in late April and early May in Switzerland, has been pushed off to early 2021.Image: A polished diamond with tweezers. (Shutterstock)