EXHIBIT 23




                   REPORT AND CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated
August 19, 2003 included in the 2003 Annual Report to Stockholders of Lazare
Kaplan International Inc.

Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of Lazare
Kaplan International Inc. and subsidiaries listed in Item 15(a)2. This schedule
is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, the consolidated
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material
respects the information set forth therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in

         1)    Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-40225) and Registration
               Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-92077) which relate to the Lazare
               Kaplan International Inc. 1997 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan,
               and

         2)    Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement (Form
               S-8, No. 333-52303), which relates to the Lazare Kaplan
               International Inc. 401(k) Plan for Savings and Investment

of our report dated August 19, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the
preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Lazare Kaplan International Inc.



                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
August 25, 2003