Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers
The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Zerouki has been with De Beers since 2005, starting as a supply chain analyst for the Diamond Trading Co.’s Supplier of Choice program.
Over the years, Zerouki worked her way up, serving as senior vice president of international relations and ethical initiatives, senior vice president of corporate affairs, and chief trade and industry officer, the role she has held for the last five months.
She led the launch of Tracr, De Beers’ blockchain platform, and GemFair, a program for artisanal and small-scale miners, initiatives that advanced traceability and responsible sourcing in the diamond industry, De Beers said.
Outside of her work at De Beers, Zerouki served on the boards of the Responsible Jewellery Council and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and was elected vice president of the World Diamond Council in 2020.
In 2023, she was elected president of WDC—the first woman to hold the position—and will remain in that role until the end of May 2026.
De Beers declined to provide any additional details on Zerouki’s departure, and she could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.
In the press release announcing her departure, Zerouki said, “Being part of De Beers has been an extraordinary journey.
“I am immensely proud of what we have built together, and deeply grateful for the people and partnerships that have defined these 20 years. I leave with pride in our shared achievements and with excitement for what lies ahead.”
De Beers CEO Al Cook said in the release that Zerouki’s contributions will leave a lasting impact on the diamond industry.
“Feriel has played a pivotal role in establishing and upholding the highest standards of integrity and provenance within De Beers and across the global diamond industry. Her strategic insight and leadership have contributed meaningfully to initiatives that will leave a lasting impact on the sector,” he said.
“We thank her for her contributions and wish her continued success as she embarks on the next chapter of her career.”
The Latest

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.


Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.


























