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
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
