DN Diamonds Honored as Outstanding Exporter

RAPAPORT… Israel’s President Isaac Herzog this week presented DN Diamonds with an award for outstanding exporter, after the company shipped more than $200 million worth of goods in 2021.

The company, which specializes in large diamonds over 3 carats, more than doubled its exports from 2020, when it shipped some $100 million, and from the $70 million it notched in 2019, CEO Nissim Zuaretz told Rapaport News. Israel’s total polished exports grew 54% to $3.65 billion last year, the Ministry of Economy and Industry reported in January.

A first-generation diamantaire, Zuaretz launched DN Diamonds in 2007, having started out in the industry in the 1990s as a sales representative and worked in various aspects of the pipeline.

DN Diamonds aims to connect with the best manufacturers and retailers around the globe, he stressed. “Our DNA is to understand our clients’ culture and diamond needs and use that information to strengthen our relationship with all stakeholders,” he noted.

Zuaretz currently serves as chairman of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA). During his speech at the president’s residence in Jerusalem, he echoed calls to establish a free trade zone in the diamond exchange as Israel faces increasing competition from Dubai and other diamond-trading centers.

DN Diamonds was one of eight Israeli companies across various industries honored at Wednesday’s ceremony in the category of exports over $150 million. It was the second time DN Diamonds had received the award.

“We are proud to play a leading role in the diamond industry, to showcase the beauty [of] and our confidence in this amazing product,” Zuaretz said.

Image (left to right): Nissim Zuaretz, CEO of DN Diamonds; Orna Barbivay, Israel’s minister of economy and industry; Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president; Avishag Zuaretz, wife of Nissim. (DN Diamonds)