Responsible business practices ‘no longer optional’, says WDC President Feriel Zerouki

The president of the World Diamond Council takes time out of her busy schedule to tell Rough&Polished readers about the critical work of the WDC. Zerouki, the first female present of the body, which includes all the important industry organizations among...

14 october 2024

James Campbell: Botswana Diamonds optimistic as it enters uncharted territory of using AI for mineral exploration

London-listed Botswana Diamonds has expressed optimism about the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan the exploration database in Botswana to look for new mineralised deposits. Company managing director James Campbell told Rough...

07 october 2024

Artur Salyakayev: For me, happiness is freedom to make my ideas happen and create valuable products

Artur Salyakayev is an art entrepreneur, founder of the International Jewelry Academy (IJA) and the INCRUA jewelry company. He has initiated and developed successful projects in jewelry industry and services sector. He is also a leading expert...

30 september 2024

Paul Zimnisky: China key for sustained recovery in demand for natural diamonds, prices

The curtailing of upstream and midstream natural diamond production in the past months is starting to have an effect on prices, according to the New-York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant, Paul Zimnisky. He told Rough & Polished’s...

23 september 2024

Vladimir Pilyushin: The jewelry market is not stand-alone and moves by the same laws as other markets

Vladimir Pilyushin is editor-in-chief of Russian Jeweler, a leading magazine about the jewelry industry in Russia. He told Rough&Polished about his view on the evolution of the jewelry industry in Russia and touched upon some of its problems.

16 september 2024

AWDC CEO Ari Epstein steps down from April 16

12 april 2024

Ari Epstein has decided to step down as a CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) after 13 years of service effective next Tuesday, April 16.

"Under Ari Epstein's leadership, AWDC has seen unparalleled growth, innovation and expansion, strengthening our position as a global leader in the diamond industry. Ari Epstein's commitment to excellence, along with a forward-thinking approach, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the global market and setting new benchmarks for transparency and success," said AWDC president Isidore Mörsel in a statement.

"This marks the end of an era of visionary leadership and significant contributions to not only our company but the industry at large."

AWDC declined to comment on why Ari Epstein is stepping down or when it would appoint a successor.

Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished