SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardSourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit
The organization also announced its board of directors.
The Young Diamantaires, which began as an informal group in 2016, has transitioned to a nonprofit organization.
Dubai—The Young Diamantaires (YD) has transitioned into a nonprofit organization.
The international organization is an initiative of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
It launched as an informal group in 2016 during the 37th World Diamond Congress in Dubai and is now an industry association incorporated in Dubai.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the group, said YD, made possible through the essential support of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
“This formalization solidifies the YD’s commitment to fostering a forward-thinking, inclusive community dedicated to its members’ professional development and advancement while promoting sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices within the diamond and jewelry industry to shape its future,” the organization said.
YD comprises nearly 500 young diamond professionals from 25 countries, all representing different segments of the diamond supply pipeline.
The group participates in major industry events, including engaging in panels, brainstorming sessions, collaborations, mentoring, and fundraising for a school in Africa, it said.
The organization also elected its first board of directors, which includes David Troostwyk (United Kingdom), Elodie Daguzan (France), Kevin Vantyghem (Canada), Melissa Smet (Belgium), Mike Asscher (The Netherlands), Rachel Sahar (UAE), and Shai Schnitzer (Israel).
“This milestone empowers us to better unite and support the next generation of the diamond and jewelry industry leaders. Together, we’re not just participating in the future of our industry – we’re actively shaping it,” the board said.
“And it all began thanks to the vision of Rami Baron, who served as chair of the WFDB Promotion Committee at the time. His passion for the Young Diamantaires and his trust in us have been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today. We are deeply grateful to him.”
Related stories will be right here …
The international organization is an initiative of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
It launched as an informal group in 2016 during the 37th World Diamond Congress in Dubai and is now an industry association incorporated in Dubai.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the group, said YD, made possible through the essential support of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.
“This formalization solidifies the YD’s commitment to fostering a forward-thinking, inclusive community dedicated to its members’ professional development and advancement while promoting sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices within the diamond and jewelry industry to shape its future,” the organization said.
YD comprises nearly 500 young diamond professionals from 25 countries, all representing different segments of the diamond supply pipeline.
The group participates in major industry events, including engaging in panels, brainstorming sessions, collaborations, mentoring, and fundraising for a school in Africa, it said.
The organization also elected its first board of directors, which includes David Troostwyk (United Kingdom), Elodie Daguzan (France), Kevin Vantyghem (Canada), Melissa Smet (Belgium), Mike Asscher (The Netherlands), Rachel Sahar (UAE), and Shai Schnitzer (Israel).
“This milestone empowers us to better unite and support the next generation of the diamond and jewelry industry leaders. Together, we’re not just participating in the future of our industry – we’re actively shaping it,” the board said.
“And it all began thanks to the vision of Rami Baron, who served as chair of the WFDB Promotion Committee at the time. His passion for the Young Diamantaires and his trust in us have been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today. We are deeply grateful to him.”
The Young Diamantaires organizing committee (YDOC) will continue to drive initiatives.
It includes the board of directors as well as Adriana Traviati (Australia), Christopher Zoettl (Germany), Harsh Parekh (India), Harsh Shah (India), Molefi Letsiki (South Africa), Prernaa Makharia (India), Alain Zlayet (Belgium), Rami Baron (Australia), and Tamar Gabay (Australia).
“The YDOC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community,” notes the board.
Also, an alumni group will be created for YDs who are older than 50.
More information is available on the Young Diamantaires’ website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
