. Petka Yehudyouf (Pinchas Ben-Yehudah)
He currently employs his two sons, Lior and Boaz, and daughter, Keren. Boaz manages the company’s U.S. branch.
“Up until five years ago we were the only manufacturers in Israel of small diamonds, but due to the state of the global economy and market demands, the polishing operations were moved to a factory in China,” says Keren Ben-Yehudah. “We were among the last to close our factory in Israel,” she says, adding that “as opposed to most Israeli diamond dealers, our company deals mainly in small diamonds – from one carat to halves with qualities of SI1 and lower.”
Keren explains: “We are the manufacturers, meaning that ours is a first-hand product. During periods of financial stress there is a greater demand for cheaper goods that are also of quality craftsmanship. Above all else, it is most important that the customer is satisfied.”
“We provide our clients with personal attention,” adds Lior, “and it doesn’t matter how big the order is. It is important for us to provide a quality product in a short amount of time. We adapt ourselves to the needs of the client.”
The United States, despite the economic crisis, remains the leading destination for export. The company has an office in New York – 15 years running – called BBY (Boaz Ben-Yehudah)
BBY’s website is: www.bby-diamonds.com. Meanwhile, the Israeli branch of Ben-Yehudah Petka is working to have its own website up and running soon.
“In my opinion, the global trend is changing,” says Keren. “The demand for smaller diamonds is rising here in Israel, and this market is developing anew here.”
