Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Following restructuring, WDC elects new board
The members of the World Diamond Council have elected a new board of directors in the first poll conducted since the organization amended its bylaws last November.
New York--The members of the World Diamond Council have elected a new board of directors in the first poll conducted since the organization amended its bylaws last November.
The WDC added 20 new board members, equally distributed among the five diamond industry sectors and reflecting the geographical diversity of the supply chain.
The new board will hold its first formal meeting May 12, during which it will elect the officers, including president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
Following is the list of the newly elected board of directors.
Extraction of diamonds
--Andrey Polyakov, Alrosa Group
--Andrew Bone, De Beers Group
--James R.W. Pounds, Dominion Diamonds Corp.
--Jean-Marc Lieberherr, Rio Tinto Diamonds NV
Retail sale of diamonds or diamond jewelry
--Kent Wong, Chow Tai Fook
--Roberto Coin, Roberto Coin SpA
--Mark Jenkins, Signet Jewelers Ltd.
--Ronnie VanderLinden, U.S. coalition
Wholesale trading of diamonds
--Stephane Fischler, Antwerp World Diamond Centre
--Anoop Mehta, Bharat Diamond Bourse
--Shmuel Schnitzer, Israel Diamond Exchange Ltd.
--Ernie Blom, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, a permanent member
Manufacturing of diamonds
--Mervin Lifshitz, Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association
--Vipul Shah, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, India
--Avi Paz, Israel Diamond Institute
--Elliot Tannenbaum, Leo Schachter Diamonds
At large
--Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, permanent member
--Maxim Shkadov, International Diamond Manufacturers Association, permanent member
--Nigel Paxman, Malca-Amit Group of Companies
--Edward Asscher, Royal Asscher Diamond Company Ltd.
Last November, the WDC changed its bylaws to include geographical diversity on the board, with mining companies, manufacturers, traders and retailers all represented, and for WDC members to pay annual dues.
RELATED CONTENT: WDC now restricts presidents to a single term
Additionally, the WDC president is now limited to a single two-year term, and is automatically succeeded by the sitting vice president.
In January 2013, former president Eli Izhakoff announced that he would step down after 13 years at the helm, and Avi Paz, an Israeli diamantaire and former president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, stepped in as interim president.
The Latest

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.


Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.























