The Israeli Diamond Industry is preparing for its largest participation yet at this year's JCK Show - Las Vegas. The Israel Diamond Pavilion, hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will cover the largest surface to date, and will feature 31 exhibitors, with an additional 23 Israeli companies exhibiting throughout the show.

Since the United States is Israel's leading market for polished diamonds, the Israeli industry views the JCK Show with special interest. The U.S. accounts for about 40 percent of Israel's net polished exports, which stood at US$5.8 billion in 2010, states the IDI.

For the first time in Las Vegas, IDI will be raffling off among buyers a free round-trip ticket to Israel. This is in keeping with IDI's new marketing campaign "Welcome to Israel," which was launched at BaselWorld. The campaign seeks to emphasize the advantages of doing business with Israel - at trade shows, online, or in buying visits to the bourse in Ramat Gan.

"The US market is recovering and we are pleased to see that the demand for diamonds is rising," says IDI Chairman Moti Ganz. "About one-half of the diamonds sold in the US are Israeli diamonds. Although the economic crisis has affected buying patterns Americans still buy diamonds to symbolize love and commitment. We are confident in our ability to supply Americans with the diamonds they want."

Adds IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar: "JCK Las Vegas is one of the most important trade shows for our industry. IDI is pleased that this year we have a greater turnout of Israeli companies. We look forward to welcoming a great many buyers to the Israel Diamond Pavilion and we are confident that it will be a successful show for the Israeli exhibitors."

In the first quarter of 2011, Israel's net polished diamond exports jumped 46 percent while polished diamond imports into the U.S. rose by 22 percent over the first quarter of 2010, according to the IDI.

The Israel Diamond Pavilion will be located in the Diamond Plaza Booths B3718-B3759 and B3783-B3789. IDI will be represented at stand B3744 within the pavilion.