DiamondBuzz
GJEPC engages Belgian diplomats and trade officials in key discussions at BDB
A high-level Belgian delegation arrived at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on 3rd December, bringing renewed focus to the deep commercial and cultural ties that link India and Belgium’s diamond sectors.
The Belgian delegation included HE Ambassador William Asselborn, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai; Brigadier General Mario Engels, Defence Attaché from the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, along with senior representatives from Flanders Investment and Trade.Eva Verstraelen and Filippe De Potter.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, joined Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB, and other bourse officials in welcoming the delegation for a formal interaction and tour of the world’s largest diamond trading complex.

“Our relationship with Belgium has been built on trust, respect, and years of working together. Antwerp and Mumbai have grown alongside each other, supported by our diamond businesses, our artisans, and the many Indian families who made Antwerp their home. As the industry evolves, there is real opportunity for us to work even more closely in technology, new ideas, and smoother trade, strengthening the future of our diamond partnership.” Kirit Bhansali said.
DiamondBuzz
Motorsport Meets High Jewellery: Hannah St John Turns Heads with ‘La Velocita’ Diamond Necklace at F1 Event
A 25-carat, 1,800-diamond Masterpiece Inspired by Formula 1 circuits Takes Centre Stage at the Glamour on the Grid ahead of the Australian Grand Prix
At the glamorous lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix, Hannah St John, partner of Liam Lawson, made a striking statement at the Glamour on the Grid event with a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace that seamlessly blended motorsport and haute jewellery.
Titled “La Velocit” (The Speed), the necklace was crafted by Australian atelier Martin Rogers Jewellery. The extraordinary piece features approximately 1,800 diamonds totalling 25 carats, intricately arranged to trace the outlines of iconic Formula 1 circuits from the global racing calendar.



A true testament to craftsmanship, the necklace required an estimated 250–300 hours of meticulous handwork, including weeks dedicated solely to precision diamond setting. Valued at around AUD $500,000 (approximately $350,000 USD), the piece stands as a bold fusion of speed, design, and luxury artistry.
Blurring the lines between engineering inspiration and fine jewellery, “La Velocità” captured attention across the paddock, proving that Formula 1’s influence extends far beyond the track.
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