DiamondBuzz
Young Diamantaires transitions into a formal industry association
The Young Diamantaires, a vibrant and rapidly growing collective of diamond and jewelry professionals, has officially transitioned into a formal industry association. Based in Dubai, the organization now boasts a diverse membership of over 500 individuals across 25 countries. This development marks a significant step in the group’s evolution and further positions it as a forward-thinking force within the global diamond industry.
Founded in 2016 during the 37th World Diamond Congress in Dubai, the Young Diamantaires began as a discussion group with a mission to empower the next generation of industry leaders. With a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and inclusivity, the association is committed to driving positive change through professional development, sustainability, ethical practices, and the exploration of new opportunities in the diamond and jewelry sectors.
n a landmark move, the group has now been formally established as an industry association. This official recognition underlines its long-term commitment to shaping the future of the diamond industry. The announcement was accompanied by the election of its inaugural board of directors, comprising prominent leaders from key industry bodies across various countries:
David Troostwyk – President, London Diamond Bourse (LDB),Elodie Daguzan – Executive Director, World Diamond Council (WDC),Kevin Vantyghem – President, Vantyghem Diamonds,Melissa Smet – Executive Director, Syndicate of the Belgian Diamond Industry (SBD),Mike Asscher – President, Royal Asscher Diamonds,Rachel Sahar – Founder, R Sahar Diamonds,Shai Schnitzer – President, S Schnitzer Diamonds
This leadership team reflects the association’s global outlook and its commitment to representing diverse voices within the diamond community.
The Young Diamantaires represents a new generation of industry professionals united by a shared passion for diamonds as both a livelihood and a cultural cornerstone. Its members span continents and cultures, embodying a wealth of perspectives that contribute to its dynamic approach to problem-solving and industry development.
The formal establishment of the Young Diamantaires as an industry association marks a pivotal moment for the next generation of diamond professionals. With a strong foundation in innovation, ethics, and global collaboration, the organization is well-positioned to lead transformative efforts in the diamond and jewelry industry, ensuring its relevance and resilience for years to come.
DiamondBuzz
Antwerp Records First Global Tender Of Fully Traceable Artisanal Diamonds From DRC
OrigemA Initiative Opens International Market Access For Small-Scale Miners, Promoting Transparency, Fair Pricing and Responsible Sourcing Across The DRC’s Artisanal Diamond Sector.
In a landmark development for the diamond industry, a parcel of fully traceable artisanal rough diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been sold internationally for the first time, highlighting growing efforts to strengthen responsible sourcing and improve market opportunities for artisanal mining communities.
The 103.77-carat parcel, sourced from the Kasai region, was presented through a public tender in Antwerp organised by Bonas-Couzyn under the OrigemA project. The initiative was launched in 2022 through a collaboration between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the DRC Ministry of Mines, NGO Resolve, and technology partner Everledger, with support from Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
The OrigemA programme currently works with six mining cooperatives across the Kasai and Kasai-Central provinces, supporting an ecosystem that provides livelihoods to nearly three million people. The inaugural parcel, valued at approximately US$6,000, originated from the Kamana Ndeke mine and was produced by the COMIDIANZ cooperative.
According to Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of AWDC, the initiative was designed to tackle longstanding barriers faced by artisanal miners in the DRC. She noted that many cooperatives have historically struggled to access international buyers, often preventing them from receiving fair market value for their production.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot revealed that the country’s Peacebuilding Fund had invested €200,000 in the project. He described the Antwerp sale as a significant achievement for both the OrigemA programme and the COMIDIANZ cooperative, marking an important step in connecting artisanal producers with global markets.
Beyond market access, the project has also focused on improving mining standards. To date, around 450 miners have received training in safe and sustainable mining practices, while participating sites have benefited from initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
With the DRC estimated to account for nearly 70% of global artisanal diamond production, programmes such as OrigemA are expected to play a vital role in strengthening transparency, supporting local communities, and creating a more inclusive and responsible diamond supply chain.
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