CollectionsSep 06, 2024
The ‘Fabergé x Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Collection is Scary ChicIt’s showtime for these jewels, inspired by the motifs and color palette of the new Tim Burton film.
SourcingSep 05, 2019
World Diamond Council Executive Director Steps Down
Marie-Chantal Kaninda is leaving the position after a little over two years to pursue another opportunity.
Antwerp—After a little over two years, World Diamond Council Executive Director Marie-Chantal Kaninda is leaving the post to pursue another opportunity.
A resident of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kaninda became WDC executive director in March 2017, succeeding Patricia Syvrud, who was the first salaried administrator to head the organization following a structural overhaul.
Kaninda announced her resignation in the WDC’s e-newsletter sent out Tuesday. 
She said that as an African woman who has spent most of her professional life serving the interests of miners and mining communities in Africa, her decision to take the job as executive director of WDC—regarded by many as a “bastion of the industry establishment” focused predominately on the consumer end of the market—might have seemed “an unorthodox choice.”
But, she wrote, she hoped her appointment would highlight the fact that the organization represents both the upstream and downstream interests of the diamond industry, a view for which she received “tremendous” support from the WDC.
“I have traveled a great deal [as WDC executive director] over the past two years … On all occasions, I felt that we were reinforcing our industry’s sense of commitment to all its stakeholders, and I believe that we have been able to touch hearts and change people’s minds.”
In her letter, Kaninda also thanked WDC officers Edward Asscher, Udi Sheintal and Ronnie VanderLinden; David Bouffard and Steven Benson from the communications team; and the “hard-working, influential and independently minded sisters who stood alongside me these past two years”— Feriel Zerouki, Elodie Daguzan, Karla Basselier and Agathe Bukasa.
She also paid special tribute to WDC President Stephane Fischler, whose “support and understanding has been constant.”
“He taught me a great deal,” she wrote, “as I hope I taught him.”
Kaninda’s term formally expired Aug. 31, but she said in her letter that she would continue to work with the organization through its annual meeting next month and the KP Plenary meeting in November.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsSep 06, 2024
Movado Lowers Guidance as Q2 Sales SlipCEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.
CollectionsSep 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lizzie Mandler’s ‘Liquid Gold’ HoopsInspired by a 19th century sculpture, Mandler transformed gold into liquid for these earrings.
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
CollectionsSep 05, 2024
Bella Hadid Is Chopard’s New Brand AmbassadorThe model and entrepreneur stars in two new Chopard campaigns.
Weekly QuizSep 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Nordstrom Family Offers to Buy Namesake Retailer for $3.8BMembers of the founding family partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to possibly take Nordstrom private.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates Elsa Peretti’s Bone CuffThe iconic design has joined a lineup of notable pieces featured in the jeweler’s “With Love, Since 1837” campaign.
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology StorySupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Former Chopard, Frederique Constant Executive Tapped to Head CadarRalph Simons is now CEO of the jewelry brand started by fashion designer Michal Kadar and her husband, Avraham Kadar, in 2015.
ColumnistsSep 04, 2024
Creative Connecting: Why ‘Experience Content’ Matters Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen say it’s all about giving your social media feeds a human touch.
TrendsSep 04, 2024
Taylor Hill, Soo Joo Park Star in New Messika CampaignThe models and friends of founder and artistic designer Valérie Messika showcase the brand’s jewelry in the “Back to Icons” campaign.
MajorsSep 04, 2024
Bloomingdale’s to Highlight Italian Jewelry in New Campaign“From Italy, With Love” will showcase Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and other Italian brands.
CollectionsSep 03, 2024
Zales, Prince Debut US Open-Inspired CollectionThe jewelry retailer will also have a diamond-set tennis racket on display at the tournament.
IndependentsSep 03, 2024
Ylang 23 Relocates, Expands Dallas FlagshipThe retailer has moved into a 3,200-square-foot space at The Shops of Highland Park.
TrendsSep 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Sapphires for SeptemberThe month’s birthstone is vibrant in every color.
WatchesAug 30, 2024
Breitling Marks 140 Years With Special Editions of 3 Classic WatchesThe special editions of the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat are equipped with a new perpetual calendar movement from the brand.
CollectionsAug 30, 2024
Piece of the Week: K. Brunini Jewels’ Butterfly RingFly away with designer Katey Brunini’s butterfly ring, as its spring-loaded wings flutter above your fingers.
MajorsAug 29, 2024
Brilliant Earth Promotes Two Executives to C-Suite RolesThe jewelry retailer has a new chief brand officer and chief operations officer.
MajorsAug 29, 2024
JA Takes Its Learning Workshops to Washington D.C., New YorkIts next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.
SurveysAug 28, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises in August Despite Labor Market WorriesInflation remained a top concern among survey-takers who included write-in responses.
TechnologyAug 28, 2024
Verizon Throws Its Hat in the Ring on Smart Rings The wireless carrier is now stocking the Ultrahuman Ring Air in select U.S. stores.
CollectionsAug 28, 2024
Pamela Love’s ‘Jardin’ Collection Is Filled With Lush Green EmeraldsIn a collaboration with Muzo, Pamela Love hand-selected each Colombian emerald for eight one-of-a-kind pieces.
MajorsAug 28, 2024
Stuller Named ‘Great Place to Work’The certification is based on employee responses about their experience working at a company.
Policies & IssuesAug 27, 2024
US to Allow Import of ‘Legacy’ Diamonds From RussiaOFAC has issued two licenses addressing the issue, one for diamond-set jewelry and one for loose diamonds.
GradingAug 27, 2024
IGI Files for IPO in IndiaThe gemological lab is looking to raise up to $477 million.
Events & AwardsAug 27, 2024
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 CASE AwardsThe annual jewelry design competition celebrates creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
MajorsAug 27, 2024
David Yurman Opens Store in Columbus, OhioThe boutique is in Easton Town Center’s newly renovated fashion district.
