SourcingJul 05, 2024
Lucara Names New VP of Mineral ResourcesSourcingJul 08, 2024
AWDC Re-Elects Isidore Mörsel as Board President
Ravi Bhansali has been elected vice president.
Isidore Mörsel, pictured right, will stay on as president of the AWDC board of directors, while Ravi Bhansali joins the board as vice president.
Antwerp, Belgium—The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has re-elected Isidore Mörsel as president of the board of directors and elected Ravi Bhansali as vice president.
Mörsel, the CEO of Dali Diamond Company, stepped into the role in September 2023 after former AWDC president David Gotlib resigned.
“I feel very honored to be re-elected as president of AWDC’s board of directors,” said Mörsel.
“The global diamond industry finds itself amidst an important transformation and there are big challenges ahead, including for Antwerp.”
Bhansali, who steers operations at Rosy Blue, a diamond trading and manufacturing company, will join the board as vice president for the next two years.
His election symbolizes how a younger generation of diamantaires has been taking over leadership positions in Antwerp’s diamond companies over the recent years, said AWDC.
“I am looking forward to a continued cooperation with Mr. Mörsel in his role as the president with Mr. Bhansali as incoming vice president of our board of directors,” said Karen Rentmeesters, AWDC’s interim CEO.
“In the past weeks and months, Mr. Mörsel has demonstrated an incredibly strong commitment to the Antwerp Diamond Industry and the challenges we face today. The combined expertise and drive of the president, vice president, and entire AWDC board is crucial to steer the future of Antwerp’s diamond industry towards growth, together with AWDC’s management team.”
Related stories will be right here …
Mörsel, the CEO of Dali Diamond Company, stepped into the role in September 2023 after former AWDC president David Gotlib resigned.
“I feel very honored to be re-elected as president of AWDC’s board of directors,” said Mörsel.
“The global diamond industry finds itself amidst an important transformation and there are big challenges ahead, including for Antwerp.”
Bhansali, who steers operations at Rosy Blue, a diamond trading and manufacturing company, will join the board as vice president for the next two years.
His election symbolizes how a younger generation of diamantaires has been taking over leadership positions in Antwerp’s diamond companies over the recent years, said AWDC.
“I am looking forward to a continued cooperation with Mr. Mörsel in his role as the president with Mr. Bhansali as incoming vice president of our board of directors,” said Karen Rentmeesters, AWDC’s interim CEO.
“In the past weeks and months, Mr. Mörsel has demonstrated an incredibly strong commitment to the Antwerp Diamond Industry and the challenges we face today. The combined expertise and drive of the president, vice president, and entire AWDC board is crucial to steer the future of Antwerp’s diamond industry towards growth, together with AWDC’s management team.”
The AWDC has been vocal about its role in the G7 nations’ ban on importing diamonds mined in Russia.
In May, the organization released a statement pushing back against the EU’s plan to establish Antwerp as the sole “rough node” through which all rough diamonds must pass to certify they are not of Russian origin.
It’s advocating instead for the establishment of multiple rough diamond verification nodes, including in producing countries.
Bhansali said this plays a pivotal role in ensuring the diamond supply chain meets the highest standards of ethical and sustainable trade.
“We believe this approach is both feasible and fair, promoting unity and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. This concept will enable and empower the timely and effective integration of major African producing and polishing countries into this new global reality,” said Bhansali.
In the meantime, the AWDC sees the model node in Antwerp as an opportunity to set an example.
Mörsel added, “I believe that we, as an important industry organization, are poised to play a significant role in guiding and directing the industry, having been honored by the G7 to act as a model node for rough diamond verification.
“This recognition will allow Antwerp to lead by example, supporting the successful implementation of this initiative and fostering stronger global cooperation within the international diamond community.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
