This article first appeared in the JNA January/ February 2023 issue.

Kobi Sevdermish DG (Diploma in Gemmology), president of Advanced Quality ACC Ltd, has accomplished extraordinary feats in the gemstone field over the years.

A mine-to-market enterprise, Advanced Quality was founded in 2001 by Kobi’s father, Menahem. Operating worldwide, it quickly became a sturdy force in the gem sector – sourcing rough in Africa and other countries and producing gems in its own factory in Bangkok.

For the last 20 years, Kobi has been at the helm of Advanced Quality, introducing various initiatives aimed at modernising operations while protecting the company’s legacy. Kobi built his coloured gem expertise through frequent visits to Bangkok, where he completed his studies at the Gemological Institute of America, Thailand. He also trained extensively at his company’s lapidary, learning cutting and polishing techniques as well as managing the facility.

Alongside his leadership skills is a flair for sourcing top-quality rough gems and putting together sets, following current jewellery trends. Kobi is also active on Instagram where he consistently posts content on finely cut gemstones.

Innovative mind

Kobi, like his father, is an innovator. Menahem was the creative force behind “Gemewizard,” a digital colour communication tool, and grading and trading system for coloured gemstones and diamonds. The system, described as revolutionary by industry stakeholders, was the result of a 12-year research project.

Kobi, for his part, developed an innovative and artistic way to display gems that enables jewellers to purchase a selection of matching gems and visualise the finished jewellery even before a design is created.

With his deep understanding of gems and their unique characteristics, Kobi is able to come up with exceptional colour combinations that aid designers and manufacturers in preparing their jewellery collections.

Kobi’s penchant for ingenuity was put to the test during Covid-19. He commented, “The pandemic brought with it unique challenges and the lack of shows and travel disruptions affected one’s ability to source or sell gemstones.”

Faced with lockdowns and restrictions, Kobi implemented a policy to constantly communicate with customers. From his home office, he was able to continuously support his clients through Zoom meetings and social media interaction.

Together with his partners, Kobi also unveiled a new certificate by GWLab – Gemewizard’s gemmological laboratory established in 2018 – using Gemewizard technology to certify gemstones, fancy colour diamonds and finished jewellery offered through Catawiki, a leading online auction platform for buying and selling special items and collectibles.

Kobi is also a member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) where he is among ICA’s board of directors and head of the “Eyes on The Future” committee.

According to Kobi, the year 2023 will remain challenging due to global economic instability coupled with tighter gemstone supply and lack of manpower in the manufacturing sector. Advanced Quality however will continue to expand its reach worldwide and promote the use of the Gemewizard technology.

Kobi has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at JWA Dubai Special Edition 2023 as an acknowledgment of his unrelenting commitment to further raise the bar for coloured gem trading and grading.

“I am honoured to receive this award and flattered by the recognition of my hard work,” remarked Kobi. “We lost important people in our trade in 2022 who helped build the business that we are in. I recognise and thank them from the bottom of my heart. I placed a great deal of effort in promoting gemstones because of my passion for natural colours. We have a wonderful trade, amazing people, and interesting stories that must be told and documented for the years to come. This is also something I would like to achieve through ICA.”

Click here for JNA’s coverage of the JWA Dubai 2023 Honourees.