Panel Highlights Traceability Opportunity

RAPAPORT... A panel discussion at the International Diamond Week in Israel highlighted challenges and benefits of source-verification initiatives in the diamond market. The discussion, moderated by Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz, explored how various businesses across the supply chain approach the traceability issue. Panelists included David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies; Ernie Blom, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB);Alexey Tikhonov, head of projects, strategy and analytics at Alrosa; Ophir Gore, director of diamonds, precious stones and jewelry administration at Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry; and Emanuel Namdar, a partner at Andr?(C) Messika Diamonds (Namibia). "The discussion around source verification has matured so that in the past two to three years we have seen a number of solutions being offered," Krawitz said when introducing the session. "In fact, it appears that a race for market share has heated up in the diamond-traceability space."Watch the discussion here:Image and video: Panelists on stage at International Diamond week in Israel (Israel Diamond Exchange).