SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureSourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President
The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
Ronnie VanderLinden, left, is the new president of the World Diamond Council, succeeding Feriel Zerouki (right). VanderLinden was elected at the WDC’s annual general meeting, held this week in Antwerp, Belgium. Zerouki was named honorary president.
Antwerp, Belgium—Ronnie VanderLinden is the new president of the World Diamond Council, the organization that acts as the industry’s official representative in the Kimberley Process.
VanderLinden, a longtime leader in the diamond industry and owner of Diamex Inc., succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who had served in the position since 2023 and was WDC’s first woman president.
Speaking at WDC’s annual general meeting, held Thursday in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said as president, he will focus on building confidence in natural diamonds, helping the trade sell them, and uniting the industry behind one clear, consistent message when it comes to natural diamonds.
That message needs to include information about what natural diamonds are, where they come from, and the people they benefit along the way.
“The case for natural diamonds is strong, but it has to be demonstrated,” VanderLinden said in his speech in Antwerp. “Where they come from, how they move through the pipeline, and what they do in producing countries is the evidence we need to show.”
Related stories will be right here …
VanderLinden, a longtime leader in the diamond industry and owner of Diamex Inc., succeeds Feriel Zerouki, who had served in the position since 2023 and was WDC’s first woman president.
Speaking at WDC’s annual general meeting, held Thursday in Antwerp, Belgium, VanderLinden said as president, he will focus on building confidence in natural diamonds, helping the trade sell them, and uniting the industry behind one clear, consistent message when it comes to natural diamonds.
That message needs to include information about what natural diamonds are, where they come from, and the people they benefit along the way.
“The case for natural diamonds is strong, but it has to be demonstrated,” VanderLinden said in his speech in Antwerp. “Where they come from, how they move through the pipeline, and what they do in producing countries is the evidence we need to show.”
He also emphasized KP’s role as a mechanism for supporting confidence in natural diamonds.
He credited Zerouki for making the industry “face itself” by centering one key issue within the KP—the need to update the definition of what constitutes a “conflict” diamond.
“We will continue the work to update the conflict diamond definition, so it reflects the reality of today’s risks and strengthens confidence in natural diamonds,” VanderLinden said.
“Feriel Zerouki and the team brought this issue to the forefront. That work matters. We now must finish the job.”
In addition to electing VanderLinden president, WDC members chose a new vice president and treasurer on Thursday.
Anoop Mehta—whom VanderLinden described as a “pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade”—was elected WDC vice president, David Bonaparte was elected treasurer, and Udi Sheintal was re-elected secretary.
Zerouki was given the title of honorary WDC president for her years of service.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
