GIA (the Gemological Institute of America) celebrated establishment of its new, expanded offices in Ramat Gan’s Diamond Exchange Complex, with a grand reception amidst dignitaries. Those in attendance included GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques, Executive Vice President Tom Moses and Matt Crimmin, the Vice President for Regional Laboratory Operations, who flew in especially for the event held on February 17, the fourth day of the International Diamond Week in Israel.

GIA’s Israel Manager, Gabriel Alayon, said that with the establishment of its new offices, GIA Israel would continue to expand and grow and provide the services the community needs. Thanking the GIA for its contribution to the Israeli diamond business and recalling GIA’s first arrival in Israel four years ago, IDE Vice President Yehezkel Blum emphasized the importance of GIA’s presence in Israel and the establishment of a large, state-of-the-art laboratory.

Susan Jacques noted that the diamond and jewelry business had its ups and downs, with the year 2014 begin good and 2015 being much less. However, she expressed her belief that the downturn had bottomed out, that there now was wind under the wings and that “we will soar to great heights.” Tom Moses spoke of the growth of GIA over the years.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Susan Jacques was given a certificate attesting to her induction into the Israel Diamond Exchange League of Honor, in recognition of her “dedication to transparency and professionalism in the field of gemology and her contribution to the international diamond industry.”