MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
