AWDC Re-Elects Isidore Mörsel as Board President
Ravi Bhansali has been elected 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.”
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.”
The Latest

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.


Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.