After almost a year of preparation, the long-awaited exhibition in Israel of Russian jewelry and gem treasures opened in March at the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum in the Israel Diamond Exchange complex.

            The first-time exhibit, which will run through June 7, is expected to 100,000 visitors from Israel and abroad, including diamantaires from all parts of the world.

            This display of Russian jewelry pieces of the past two centuries, seen for the first time beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union, also marks the launching of important direst trade contacts between Israel and the Russian diamond branch.

            The Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum selected a spectacular collection of 153 jewelry pieces, precious gems and unusual mineral finds for exhibit in Israel through agreement with the Komdragment, the Committee of Precious Metals and Precious Stones of the Finance Ministry of the Russian Federation. Final authorization for the movement of the treasures was granted recently by the Russian Parliament and President Boris Yeltzin.

            Moshe Schnitzer, chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute, emphasizes the positive new ties between Russia and Israel, and their diamond branches, in particular, with the launching of the exhibition.

            The exhibition spanning rare rough and cut precious and semiprecious stones, features a unique selection of diamonds from Russia mines—including famous stones such as the 70^th Anniversary Diamond of Gokhran, and the 2,230 carat Alexandrite stone recognized as the second largest in the world.

            Superb objects of great historic interest, created by Faberge and other great jewelry designers, will come directly from the “Diamond Room” in the Czar’s Palace. Included are a crown and earrings of the Empress Elizabeth and other examples of the fabulous riches of the mid-18^th century Imperial courts, such as a coronation chain set with hundreds of diamonds and the Citation of the Star (1770) of the order of St Andrew commissioned by the Czarina Catherine II, along with pins displaying sensational diamonds of pink and blue color, and many more magnificent pieces of jewelry.

            Mr. Schnitzer, along with Zvi Shur, managing director of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, headed scores of experts who visited Russia on behalf of the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum to organize the exhibition. Officials of the Russian Federation and the specialists of the National Diamond Fund and Komgragment, travelled to Israel in turn to ensure the effective presentation for the spectacular jewels from Russia.