EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
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.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
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.
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.
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.
