Opening of Redesigned Diamond Museum to Launch

The opening ceremony of the totally redesigned and renovated Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum will launch Israel’s Third International Rough Diamond Conference on February 11, 2008. The museum is a subsidiary of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI).



The opening, which will take place at 10:00 am at the museum, located within the Israeli Diamond Industry complex in Ramat Gan, will be attended by an array of leaders from the global diamond industry, ministers from African producing countries and representatives of the Israeli Diamond Industry. The De Beers Group will be represented by Mr. Gareth Penny, Managing Director of the De Beers Group and Ms. Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC. The museum opening will be the first in a series of events being held in conjunction with the Rough Diamond Conference.



Shmuel Schnitzer, Chairman of the Board of the museum, said that with the massive renovation and redesign have made this the most modern diamond museum in the world. “I am happy that after more than 20 years we have literally created a brand-new museum, well suited to the 21st century. We have integrated the latest technology and design elements. This museum will offer an exciting visit for members of the industry, as well as for tourists, students and the general public.”



Eli Avidar, IDI Managing Director, said that it was particularly fitting that the museum opening coincided with the Third International Rough Diamond Conference, an event devoted to the shifting trends in rough diamond supply. “This is the only museum in the world named for Harry Oppenheimer, the founding pillar of the rough diamond industry, who shaped global rough diamond supply for close to a century. We are honored to invite today’s rough diamond players to pay tribute to this great man at the museum opening,” he said.



Museum designer Eliav Nachlieli said that the museum enables the visitor to follow the diamond on its fascinating journey “from the depths of the earth to the heart of human being.” The museum has been designed as a total experience, he said, offering the visitor an opportunity to virtually “penetrate” the innermost precincts of the Israeli Diamond Industry.



The permanent exhibition combines artifacts, displays and information presented on graphic panels, and uses video segments to enhance the experience of the visitor. At the heart of the experience is a “host” who accompanies the visitor on a virtual journey, where a variety of experts explain the route the diamond takes until it reaches its final destination. At each stage of the tour visitors can access additional information on interactive stands.



The museum also has a new and improved space for changing exhibitions. Inaugurating that space will be an exhibition provided by the DTC of the Shining Light Awards Diamond Design Collection for 2006 –2007. The awards are given every year for excellence in diamond jewelry design to the most talented young South African designers. This unique collection reflects the technical and design skills of the designers, as well as their diverse cultural heritages