As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
WDC Names New Executive Director
De Beers and Rio Tinto veteran Marie-Chantal Kaninda was appointed to the position, succeeding Patricia Syvrud.
New York--The World Diamond Council has named Marie-Chantal Kaninda as its new executive director.
She took the position March 1, succeeding Patricia Syvrud, who became WDC executive director in 2014 following an organizational overhaul. (Syvrud’s hiring marked the first time that a salaried administrator had ever headed the WDC.)
A resident of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she joins the organization with more than 20 years of industry marketing and stakeholder engagement experience, having held positions at companies such as Anglo Fold Ashanti, De Beers and Rio Tinto. She will continuing living in the DRC.
Kaninda is fluent in French and English, and has served as the chair of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for the private sector for the DRC since 2012 as well as the board of directors for the Diamond Development Initiative and Procredit Equity Bank.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Ms. Kaninda’s background and experience take on the role of executive director of the WDC,” President Andrey Polyakov said. “Her perspective will be invaluable to the industry work within the Kimberley Process reform initiative, which will take place this year and next.”
The Latest

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.


He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.