WFDB - The World Federation of Diamond Bourses

WFDB - The World Federation of Diamond Bourses Joseph Lens from Belgium was elected the first WFDB president.

Founded in 1947 as a body that would unite diamond exchanges under one roof, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) would come to provide a common set of trading practices for bourses trading in rough and polished diamonds, as well as coloured stones. But the origins of the WFDB actually date back to 1946 when Jack Sigman, the then-president of the New York Diamond Dealers Club, held discu

ssions in Antwerp about creating a vehicle that would be able to look out for the collective interests of the diamond trade. The inaugural meeting of the WFDB took place in Antwerp in July 1947, at what today is recognized as the premiere World Diamond Congress. In 1948, a second Belgian, Adolph Rotti was elected WFDB president. He would serve an unbroken term of 18 years until1966, when he was succeeded by Jack Sigman, who held the position until 1968. Moshe Schnitzer of Israel then took over the position of WFDB president, serving until 1972. He would also serve a second four-year stint, between 1978 and 1982. Jack Nutkewitz of Belgium served as WFDB president between 1972 and 1978, Seymour A. Rosenthal of the United States served from 1982 to 1985, and he was followed by Edmund Goldstein, who held the position until 1991. Eli Izhakoff of the United States, who was elected to the position in 1991 at the 25th World Diamond Congress in London, became the longest serving WFDB president in recent years, serving for three terms before he stepped down in 1998. Itzhak Forem served a single two- year term until 2000, and he was followed by Abraham Fischler of Belgium who also served in the position for two years. Shmuel Schnitzer of Israel was elected in 2002 at the 30th World Diamond Congress in London, and served two two-year terms in office. He was succeeded by Ernie Blom of South Africa, who was elected in 2006 for a single two-year term. In 2008, at the 33rd World Diamond Congress in Shanghai Avi Paz of Israel was elected as President and he served a four-year term in office. At the 34th World Diamond Congress in Mumbai in 2012 Ernie Blom from South Africa was once more elected as President and he is currently the serving President of the WFDB. At the World Diamond Congress in Amsterdam in 1975, the WFDB and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association acted together to regulate diamond grading standards, appointing a joint committee to create an international set of rules, working methods and nomenclature. In 1978, the system was presented at the World Diamond Congress in Ramat Gan, and approved as the IDC International Rules for Grading Diamonds. At the World Diamond Congress in Antwerp in 2000, the WFDB and IDMA acted unison once again, this time in an effort to protect the diamond pipeline from the infiltration of stones from conflict areas in Africa. Thus was born the World Diamond Council the all-industry body that, together with the United Nations, governments in producer, manufacturer and consuming centres, and NGOs, formulated the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The ability of the WFDB to react to changing conditions in the market has, since 1947, provided the diamond sector with an ability to act decisively and in unison, despite the great distances between the various manufacturing and trading centres. This is almost to ensure that the world federation will remain the industry’s most important representative body for years to come.

13/07/2026

Heartiest Congratulations to Mr. Mehul Shah on being elected as President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

This remarkable achievement is a proud moment for Bharat Diamond Bourse and the Indian diamond industry. We wish him every success in leading the global diamond community with vision and integrity.

13/07/2026

Every relationship has a story, just as every natural diamond. Both are shaped by time, tested by pressure, and made to endure.

06/07/2026

The 41st World Diamond Congress will gather in Singapore next week from 12-15 July, bringing together senior industry leaders from across the global natural diamond value chain for the industry's premier international forum.

Over four days, government representatives, producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers and innovators will examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of natural diamonds, with discussions spanning consumer demand, market recovery, responsible sourcing, marketing, artificial intelligence, provenance and evolving global markets.

The Congress will also mark the election of a new WFDB President and Executive Committee, which will shape the Federation's next chapter at a pivotal moment for the global natural diamond industry.

Read more: link in bio

27/06/2026

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) congratulates Charlotte Rose Charlotte Rose on her appointment as President of the London Diamond Bourse.

Charlotte's appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the London Diamond Bourse in its 86-year history, and is believed to be the first woman to serve as President of any diamond bourse worldwide.

This achievement represents an important moment for the global diamond industry, reflecting the continued progress of leadership, diversity, and inclusion across our trade.

The WFDB extends its warmest congratulations to Charlotte and wishes her every success as she begins this new chapter.

Photos from WFDB - The World Federation of Diamond Bourses's post

18/05/2026

A historic milestone for the global diamond trade!

Today, Botswana officially hosted the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) Summit for the first time at the historic Orapa House in Gaborone. Marking 60 years of diamond leadership, this summit solidifies Botswana’s position at the very forefront of the natural diamond industry.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Botswana has officially joined the WFDB as an affiliated member nation. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to trust, transparency, and sustainability across the entire diamond pipeline.

Reflecting on the magnitude of this event, WFDB President Yoram Dvash stated:

“This is one of the great moments for our industry. The joining of Botswana and Angola marks an important milestone as we continue bringing together the entire natural diamond value chain — from mining, through manufacturing, to jewelry companies.

Together, we are working hand in hand for the success and future of natural diamonds.”

An honor to witness global trade leaders and decision-makers gather to shape the future of natural diamonds.

07/05/2026

“A Period of Transition, A Moment of Opportunity.”

WFDB President Yoram Dvash shares his perspective on the future of the natural diamond industry - highlighting stronger global cooperation, increased investment in natural diamond promotion, and a united commitment to long-term growth.

As our industry evolves, collaboration, transparency, and confidence remain at the heart of building a stronger future for natural diamonds.

Read the full President’s Letter via the link in bio.

07/05/2026

“Natural diamonds already hold deep cultural and emotional meaning worldwide.” — Amber Pepper

In her interview with the WFDB, Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper discusses the future of natural diamonds, connecting with new generations of consumers, and the importance of authenticity, education, and storytelling in today’s luxury landscape. ✨

Read the full interview via the link in bio.

29/04/2026

A natural diamond — together in every lifetime. Whether it’s been in your family for generations, or yours is just beginning. 💍

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