Young Diamantaires Step Into a New Era

This article, written by Pietra Communications CEO, Olga Gonzalez, was published in Summer 2025 / Volume 34 / No. 2 of Gem-A’s Gems & Jewellery Magazine.

In a world where heritage often dictates whose voice gets heard, the Young Diamantaires (YD) have carved out a bold new space for connection, education, and transformation in the diamond industry. What began in 2016 as a modest WhatsApp chat among early-career professionals has now matured into a global association, officially registered in Dubai under the operational name of the YD Association DMCC. The group’s growth over the past decade reflects not only a shift in generational leadership, but also a deeper cultural realignment — one that prioritises collaboration over hierarchy, impact over prestige and integrity over inertia.

The spark came from Rami Baron, then-chair of the promotion committee at the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, who proposed a meeting of young minds during the 37th World Diamond Congress in Dubai. The goal was to build a bridge between seasoned leaders and the next generation of professionals, many of whom already had deep roots in the industry but lacked a forum for influence. What followed was not just a networking group, but a movement fuelled by curiosity, shared values and a desire to see the trade flourish through inclusivity and innovation. From its earliest moments, YD emphasised access and authenticity. “The idea was to give the younger generation a meaningful way to connect — share ideas, build relationships and find community in a space that’s often quite exclusive,” recalled Christopher Zoettl (Designer Diamonds). Those first few months of digital dialogue became the foundation for something much bigger.

The message to young professionals entering the industry is clear: come as you are. Bring your curiosity, your ideas and your values. Most importantly, bring your desire to build something lasting. The essence of the Young Diamantaires experience lies not just in its programming or events, but in the unique culture that has emerged organically within the group. From the very beginning, YD has emphasised values like trust, mutual respect and open dialogue, elements that are often rare in an industry traditionally defined by close circles and unspoken rules.

The group’s first formal gathering in Dubai was quickly followed by meetups at shows in Hong Kong and Las Vegas. However, one of its defining moments came in 2019, when twenty-five members travelled together to South Africa at the invitation of De Beers.

Melissa Smet, executive director of the Syndicate of the Belgian Diamond Industry, remembered the experience vividly. “Many of us had only spoken online, but now we were touring the Venetia mine, seeing the impact of the diamond pipeline on real communities.”

David Troostwyk, director of Salotro, echoed Ms Smet’s sentiment. “We packed so much into a few days — conversations on a bus, tours of the mine, dinners under the stars. These trips aren’t just educational; they remind us why we love what we do.” This model has since expanded to include immersive visits to India, where YD toured factories in Surat and showrooms in Mumbai, and continues to grow as an integral part of the group’s culture.

YD’s approach is democratic and collaborative by design. Initiatives are often generated from within the group and are then developed through consensus. Shai Schnitzer, president of S. Schnitzer Diamonds, noted that “Passion drives participation. If there’s energy behind an idea, we move on it. That’s how we’ve launched some of our most meaningful projects, like the Renaissance School fundraiser in South Africa. It started as a conversation by a firepit, and it became a global campaign.” Melissa Smet remembered a young woman, an engineer, climbing into a mining truck nearly two stories high. The action wasn’t just symbolic; it showed that transformation was happening, that “women were leading in places we didn’t expect.” These visits challenge assumptions, reframe narratives and turn abstract statistics about jobs and impact into lived realities that members can carry forward in their work. Evenings during these trips are often filled with reflection. Gathered around firepits or during long bus rides, members share stories of how they entered the trade, the challenges they face in their markets and the questions they carry about the future. That campaign, which began with a commitment to build a kitchen, later pivoted to fund a science lab after pandemic-related delays changed the school’s needs. “It wasn’t just about charity,” says Mr Troostwyk. “It was about empowerment–helping the next generation dream beyond their circumstances.”

A new member doesn’t just gain access to networking. They are invited into a mindset of shared learning and inclusive growth. That culture becomes especially evident during the group’s international trips. These are not simply factory tours or keynote-heavy conferences. Instead, they are immersive, often emotional journeys that take members deep into the heart of the industry. The trip to the Venetia mine in Limpopo, South Africa was one such moment. It was not just the sight of the massive mine trucks or the engineering marvels that left an impression; the human connections observed during the trip made an impact. Seeing women in leadership positions at the mine, hearing their stories and witnessing the socioeconomic impact firsthand made the experience unforgettable.

During these quiet, unscripted moments, some of the most impactful initiatives have been born. David Troostwyk described one such night during the South Africa trip. “We had just left a school supported by De Beers and the local government. The principal described how many students walked hours to attend class and lacked basic resources. It was a wake-up call. That night, a few of us sat and talked around a fire. That very night, conversations turned into ideas, and ideas into action. What followed was a member-driven fundraising campaign that eventually raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a science lab at that school. It was a defining moment not just for the group’s philanthropic spirit, but for its proof of execution.”

The group’s structure has evolved in parallel. A key strength of the Young Diamantaires lies in its diversity. Members come from dozens of countries and represent nearly every segment of the trade, from artisanal miners and digital platform founders to appraisers, manufacturers and media specialists. YD is now led by a diverse board of directors, one that includes representatives from countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada, Israel, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Rather than being incidental, this diversity is intentional. It allows for richer conversations, more inclusive solutions and a global perspective that keeps the group agile and relevant.

As Rachel Sahar (R. Sahar Diamonds) explained, “We’ve grown into a community that includes designers, gemmologists, miners, retailers, lab experts and influencers. We have representatives from leading industry organisations such as WDC, Responsible Jewellery Council, Natural Diamond Council, the Kimberley Process and others. We’re not just diamond dealers anymore — we represent the entire pipeline, from mine to market, from discovery to leadership positions that shape the future of the diamond industry.”

Education and digital communication remain central to Young Diamantaires. YD has embraced technology to foster constant communication and collaboration. While webinars and virtual panels provide access to leading voices in the trade, the group’s digital ecosystem includes three key WhatsApp groups. The primary group is where all members engage in general conversation, excluding business; the ‘In Search Of’ (ISO) group is a dedicated business channel, for members seeking specific goods or services; and the Member Sales Lounge (MSL) is where members actively promote their products and offerings. These are not just social spaces — they serve as dynamic business platforms where members exchange market intelligence, flag regulatory updates and build trust across borders. The ISO platform and MSL further expand this ethos, enabling peer-to-peer commerce in a transparent and secure environment. These tools are more than methods of communication — they are foundational community infrastructure, designed to scale alongside YD’s continued growth. “It’s our digital town square,” said Mr Schnitzer. “We debate ethics, share market trends and troubleshoot challenges together. The accessibility is what makes it so powerful.” Melissa Smet added that “The group chat is constantly active — sometimes it’s about sourcing, sometimes it’s about strategy. And then there are the in-person moments, like our YD breakfasts in Antwerp, that strengthen those bonds.”

Kevin Vantyghem (Vantyghem Diamonds) emphasised the hybrid model of the group. “Digital tools are great, but nothing replaces face-to-face connection. That’s why our meetups at major trade shows are so important.” While traditional diamond businesses have historically depended on face-to-face interactions, Rachel Sahar describes the community as a feedback loop of empowerment. “We grow with our members. As they evolve into CEOs and founders, YD becomes more valuable, not less. We’re not a stepping stone. We’re a network that grows stronger the more you give to it. That philosophy has inspired the launch of a formal YD Alumni Network, set to amplify voices of those who have aged out but still want to give back.”

One of YD’s biggest milestones to date was the launch of the first YD Business Forum, held during the Dubai Diamond Conference. “We felt like we needed several more days,” says Ms Sahar. “There’s so much to share and learn when you gather this kind of talent and energy in one room.” The group has also launched platforms such as ISO, where members can request goods and make business connections, and the Members Sales Lounge, which allows for cross-border commercial collaboration. “It’s innovation that’s built on trust,” says Mike Asscher, president of Royal Asscher in the Netherlands. “We’re not just creating efficiencies. We are changing how the industry collaborates — without politics, just partnership.”

Commentary from Young Diamantaires leaders reveal a consistent ethos: focus on growth, integrity and collective empowerment. “Ask better questions,” advised Shai Schnitzer. “Be curious, not just about the product, but about the people and systems behind it. If you bring your full self to this industry, there’s space for you to shape its future.” Rachel Sahar underscored that YD is not just a professional endeavour, but a personal one. “If you focus on giving first – helping others – you’ll be amazed what flows back to you. That’s the essence of real influence.” Christopher Zoettl summed the organisation up by simply stating, “Don’t be afraid to help others; we’re building a community, not just a career.”

Young Diamantaires’ vision for the future is ambitious, yet deeply rooted in continuity. In the near term, the group plans to introduce a formal alumni programme for members who age out of the 18–45 bracket, as well as a structured mentorship initiative that pairs emerging talent with experienced industry leaders. “We’re not just passing the baton,” explained Ms Sahar.

“We’re building a generational bridge that preserves and evolves our shared values and vision.” She pointed out that, as YD members continue to rise into industry leadership roles – as CEOs, founders, board members or presidents of diamond exchanges and industry associations – the group only grows stronger. “YD is not a stepping stone; it’s a lifelong ecosystem that gains strength through contribution.” This guiding philosophy has led to the upcoming launch of the YD Alumni Network, designed to re-engage those who have aged out of the group’s demographic but still want to remain active and give back.

While the programmes have been in development for anywhere from one to three years, 2025 marks a year of strategic planning focused on formalising these initiatives and launching the Member Sales Lounge. Longer term, Young Diamantaires sees itself as a catalyst for leadership transformation. “We want our members to move into boardrooms, to launch ventures, to sit at decision-making tables,” explained Mr Asscher. “And we want them to do it with ethics and empathy.” Kevin Vantyghem added, “The leaders of tomorrow will be those who combine innovation with tradition, and who understand that sustainability, transparency and global awareness aren’t optional — they’re essential.” Indeed, as the diamond industry continues to grapple with challenges around traceability, consumer trust and digital transformation, YD has positioned itself not just as a witness to change, but as an active participant in shaping it. Through ongoing education, ethical advocacy and international collaboration, the group continues to elevate what it means to be a diamantaire in the modern age.

To learn more about Young Diamantaires, visit www.ydts.org.