ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
SourcingJun 10, 2020
De Beers’ Feriel Zerouki Elected First Female VP of the WDC
She will serve under new President Edward Asscher and is set to succeed him in 2022.
De Beers executive Feriel Zerouki is the first woman to serve as vice president of the World Diamond Council.
New York—Edward Asscher is the new president of the World Diamond Council and, for the first time, the organization’s second-in-command will be a woman.
During a recent virtual meeting, the WDC board elected Feriel Zerouki to be the organization’s vice president.
Zerouki is currently the senior vice president of international relations and ethical initiatives at the De Beers Group.
She has been with the diamond miner and marketer since 2005, joining the company as a supply chain analyst for what was then known as the Diamond Trading Company.
She holds degrees in mathematics and business management from Queen Mary University of London and is fluent in French, English and Arabic.
Under WDC bylaws, Zerouki will automatically become WDC President at the end of Asscher’s two-year term in 2022.
During a recent virtual meeting, the WDC board elected Feriel Zerouki to be the organization’s vice president.
Zerouki is currently the senior vice president of international relations and ethical initiatives at the De Beers Group.
She has been with the diamond miner and marketer since 2005, joining the company as a supply chain analyst for what was then known as the Diamond Trading Company.
She holds degrees in mathematics and business management from Queen Mary University of London and is fluent in French, English and Arabic.
Under WDC bylaws, Zerouki will automatically become WDC President at the end of Asscher’s two-year term in 2022.
Edward Asscher, who has five decades of experience in the diamond industry, is the new president of the World Diamond Council.
For Asscher, who recently retired from the family business, the election marks his second term as WDC president, having served from 2014 to 2016.
A member of one of the diamond industry’s most well-known families, Asscher is currently vice president of the European Council of Diamond Manufacturers, and he is a past president of both the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and the International Diamond Council.
Outside of the jewelry industry, he was past president of the Liberal Party in his native Amsterdam and served as a senator for the party in the Dutch parliament from 2007 to 2011.
Asscher succeeds Stephane Fischler, who stepped in as acting WDC president in 2017 before serving a two-year term as president.
“In taking over from Stephane, I am filling giant shoes,” Asscher said.
“As WDC president he spoke with a clear moral voice, emphasizing the natural diamond’s potential to act as catalyst for social and economic development. This is a theme that I will continue over the coming two years.”
Asscher and Zerouki join Elodie Daguzan, who became WDC executive director on Feb. 1, at the helm of the organization designed to lead the diamond industry charge against conflict diamonds and represent it in the Kimberley Process.
During the virtual meeting, the WDC board also confirmed the re-election of Ronnie Vanderlinden, president of the IDMA, as WDC treasurer, and the appointment of Udi Sheintal as WDC secretary.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
