Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange – ‘Bursa’

The Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange, known locally as the ‘Bursa’, is the world’s largest diamond trading complex in Ramat Gan, minutes from central Tel Aviv. The Exchange employs over 15,000 people from 1,500 companies working and trading here every day. These buildings contain billions of dollars of diamonds, and export approximately $5 billion a year. Around 40%-50% of the world’s diamonds pass through these buildings, which are like a secret world hidden from the public’s view. Tours of the Diamond Exchange are available, taking visitors behind closed doors into this fascinating complex.

History of the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange

The Israeli diamond industry was started in the 1930s by European Jews following the abolition of import taxes on rough diamonds by the British Mandate government. In the next years, the industry grew. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the industry became organized with the first trade association, which later developed into the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange.

In the following years, the industry grew rapidly, with the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange complex growing into a huge four-tower complex. The complex includes over 1,500 companies, 3,000 members, and 15,000 people working in the center. As well as jewelry companies, the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange has its own banks, post offices, shippers, insurers, and more. It is a self-contained world, surrounded by high security, and housing billions of dollars of precious stones at any one time.

The Diamond Exchange Today

The Tel Aviv diamond industry is one of the most important components of the Israeli economy. It was, until the surge in the high-tech industry, one of Israel’s largest export industries. The Diamond Exchange remains unique in the world, and attempts to replicate it elsewhere have failed. This is thanks to its huge number of well-reputed businesses, well-regarded security, and strong image in the world. 40%-50% of all polished diamonds in the world pass through Tel Aviv. This makes the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange a major point on the world jewelry map. As a result, buyers from most of the world’s major jewelers head to Tel Aviv regularly to purchase new stones.

The businesses in the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange purchase rough diamonds from mines around the world, and cut and polish them in preparation for sale, almost entirely for export. The Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange’s strong reputation is cemented by the guaranteed high quality of all diamonds that pass through it. For more information, be sure to check out the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange’s official website.

Visiting the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange

There are several reasons to visit the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange. However, the public cannot enter the buildings unless escorted by a member of the Exchange. Getting inside involves clearing high security and being accompanied at all times. Our Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange tour is unique as it is led by a professional diamond expert. The tour goes past the security barriers and provides an insider look inside the exchange. Visitors will see its inner workings and gain information about the diamonds within. There is also an opportunity to buy diamonds for those who would like. It’s important to note, though, that this is not buying from a gift shop; it is buying directly from dealers at wholesale prices.

Purchasing Diamonds

It is not possible to enter the Diamond Exchange unless accompanied by a member. As such, there are a number of tourist stores for diamonds outside the complex, which are open to the public. However, it is possible to arrange exclusive access inside the Diamond Exchange to purchase at wholesale prices. This experience also includes a tour of the exchange, viewing the trading floor, and gaining access to the full range of diamonds. Settings and jewelry are also available.

What happens if one company doesn’t have what a diamond buyer is looking for? Because of the nature of the community within the Exchange, companies are able to source diamonds from any other member. Thanks to the tight security and cooperation, and importance of the handshake, they can bring it to a client their hand without signing. This is a unique feature of the Diamond Exchange, designed to make it easier to trade with large buyers, but equally aids individuals looking for diamonds.