TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
SourcingMay 14, 2019
Legendary Diamantaire Leo Schachter Dies at 95
He is remembered for his dignity, modesty and generosity.
Leo Schachter, who started his eponymous diamond company in the 1950s, died last week at his home on New York’s Long Island. He was 95. (Photo courtesy of Leo Schachter Diamonds)
Lawrence, N.Y.—Leo Schachter, a longtime leader in the diamond industry who was known for his modesty and generosity, died Thursday at his home in Lawrence, New York.
He was 95.
Born March 19, 1924 in New York City, Schachter was a second-generation diamantaire. His father, Max Schachter, started working in the diamond business in Antwerp after moving there from Poland and continued his business on 47th Street when he came to the United States.
Leo Schachter started the company that would eventually bear his name in 1952 in New York’s Diamond District and worked in some capacity for his entire life, with his company noting that he “enjoyed his engagement with diamonds until the end.”
He grew the business from a small, New York-based operation into one of the biggest diamond companies in the world, notching numerous partnerships and opening offices in Israel, India, Hong Kong, Botswana and Japan along the way.
Leo Schachter Diamonds became a De Beers sightholder in 1966—a status it still holds today—and a designated client of Russian diamond company Alrosa in 2016.
The company partnered with brothers Avraham and Moshe Namdar in 1981 to form Schachter & Namdar, which also was one of the largest diamond companies in the world, and that partnership lasted until 2005.
Leo Schachter Diamonds entered into a joint venture with William Goldberg Diamond Corp. in 2004 under which Goldberg cut the larger diamonds Leo Schachter sourced from De Beers, and it formed a partnership with Indian firm Kama Jewels to create Kama Schachter, a finished jewelry company, in 2007.
The company also was one of the first to venture into branded diamonds, launching “The Leo Diamond” in 1999. The stone is still sold at Kay Jewelers stores today.
Several other branded diamonds followed, including the “Lve” line, an accessibly priced bridal brand created in partnership with Forevermark.
In a statement issued Monday, Leo Schachter Diamonds said its founder’s combination of dignity, modesty and generosity “serves as an inspiration for his family and friends and as a guiding light for the company that he founded and built.”
The website for the Israeli Diamond Industry also posted a notice about Schachter’s death, with Israel Diamond Institute Chairman Boaz Moldawsky writing, “For years, Leo Schachter Diamonds has employed hundreds of workers in Israel and contributed to the prosperity of the Israel diamond industry and the Israeli economy.”
“Despite its global scope, the
company kept its family-style management in Israel. I send my sincere condolences to Leo’s family for their loss.”
Outside of work, Schachter—who divided his time between his home on New York’s Long Island and Jerusalem—was an ardent supporter of Zionist causes, Jewish education and charitable organizations.
A father of five, he also loved spending time with his family and would often say “Not enough!” when asked how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had.
Schachter is survived by his wife, Shirley; four daughters (the couple lost one daughter, Mindy) and sons-in-law; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral took place Monday in Ra’anana, Israel, and the family will be sitting Shiva in Ra’anana and at the Schachter home in Lawrence.
Outside of work, Schachter—who divided his time between his home on New York’s Long Island and Jerusalem—was an ardent supporter of Zionist causes, Jewish education and charitable organizations.
A father of five, he also loved spending time with his family and would often say “Not enough!” when asked how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had.
Schachter is survived by his wife, Shirley; four daughters (the couple lost one daughter, Mindy) and sons-in-law; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral took place Monday in Ra’anana, Israel, and the family will be sitting Shiva in Ra’anana and at the Schachter home in Lawrence.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
