SourcingApr 09, 2024
Former De Beers Exec Appointed to Lucapa Board SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDC
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Karen Rentmeesters has been appointed interim CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre following Ari Epstein’s resignation last week. Rentmeesters is the center’s head of communications. She has been with AWDC for 14 years.
Antwerp—Karen Rentmeesters, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s head of PR and industry relations, has taken over as the organization’s interim CEO.
The organization announced the appointment Monday, just a few days after Ari Epstein said he was resigning after more than a decade in the position.
Rentmeesters joined AWDC’s public relations and communications department in February 2010, focusing on establishing and maintaining relationships with local and international industry stakeholders, serving the Antwerp diamond community, and promoting the Belgian city as a trading hub.
Throughout her time with AWDC, she has led teams of various sizes, built an extensive network, and garnered in-depth knowledge about the industry, the organization said.
Rentmeesters graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 2002 with a master’s in communication sciences.
AWDC said Rentmeesters will focus on continuing the center’s daily operations while also searching for a permanent CEO.
She said, “In the coming period, together with the entire management team, I will do everything in my power to continue Ari Epstein’s good work while providing the necessary peace of mind.
“The entire diamond industry is in the midst of a period of transformation towards greater transparency and faces challenging times. As a sector federation representing the interests of the Antwerp diamond companies, it is important that we guide them through this period and offer them stability. I will be fully committed to that.”
Related stories will be right here …
The organization announced the appointment Monday, just a few days after Ari Epstein said he was resigning after more than a decade in the position.
Rentmeesters joined AWDC’s public relations and communications department in February 2010, focusing on establishing and maintaining relationships with local and international industry stakeholders, serving the Antwerp diamond community, and promoting the Belgian city as a trading hub.
Throughout her time with AWDC, she has led teams of various sizes, built an extensive network, and garnered in-depth knowledge about the industry, the organization said.
Rentmeesters graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 2002 with a master’s in communication sciences.
AWDC said Rentmeesters will focus on continuing the center’s daily operations while also searching for a permanent CEO.
She said, “In the coming period, together with the entire management team, I will do everything in my power to continue Ari Epstein’s good work while providing the necessary peace of mind.
“The entire diamond industry is in the midst of a period of transformation towards greater transparency and faces challenging times. As a sector federation representing the interests of the Antwerp diamond companies, it is important that we guide them through this period and offer them stability. I will be fully committed to that.”
Before quitting last week, Epstein had been with AWDC for a total of 19 years, 13 of them as CEO.
Though AWDC gave no reason for Epstein’s resignation, it comes amid a time of tumult for the diamond industry and for Antwerp as a trading hub.
Following the G7 nations’ ban on importing diamonds mined in Russia, numerous industry groups and leaders have spoken out against the EU’s plan to establish Antwerp as the “rough node” through which all rough diamonds must pass to certify they are not of Russian origin.
The Antwerp diamond industry also has been grappling with significant delays in importing diamonds because of the G7 ban, which went into effect March 1.
Shortly after the ban took effect, a group of more than 100 Antwerp diamond businesses sent a letter to AWDC complaining about the delays, which, they said, were costing them money and causing them to lose business.
Antwerp later hired additional staff for its Diamond Office, which it said was helping to move goods through in a timely manner.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
