Buyers and suppliers of jewelry, diamonds and colored gemstones from more than 20 countries in Latin America and around the world will gather at the World Jewelry Hub in Panama City from June 20 to June 23 for the Second Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week. A commercial and networking event that is specifically designed to bring together players from both the regional and global trades, the week will also spotlight the growing role of Panama in the jewelry and gemstone business, and will feature a social and educational program that looks at challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Centered on the trading floor of the Panama Diamond Exchange at the World Jewelry Hub, the second edition of the Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week will serve to underscore the growth and development of the center, which opened for business only 18 months earlier.

Established as the only dedicated gemstone and jewelry trading center in all of Latin America, and home to the region’s only recognized diamond exchange, the World Jewelry Hub registered about $140 million worth of turnover in its first 10 months of operation. Several of the companies that visited Panama for the time for the premier edition of the Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week are now residents in the complex.

Among the highlights being planned for the the Second Latin American Diamond and Jewelry Week are the first major diamond and gemstone auction to be held in Latin America, and the the first meeting of Latin American Women in the Jewelry Industry, which will highlight the importance of women in the development of jewelry business in the region. As equal opportunity organizations, women play key roles in both the World Jewelry Hub and Panama Diamond Exchange, and the new project is part of a larger program for a more ethical, transparent and socially responsible jewelry business. There will also be a roundtable discussion led by a leading economist, which will look at issues facing the industry and economies of Latin America and the world.

To participate in the Second Latin American Week Diamond and Jewelry please visit the dedicated website at www.latamweek.com or email the Panama Diamond Exchange at .