The Antwerp diamond industry proudly carries a legacy of nearly 580 years, a legacy built not only on trade, but on the people behind it. It is their dedication, expertise, and long-term commitment that keep this tradition alive. And as the saying goes: once you enter the diamond industry, it’s not easy to leave.
That’s why we are introducing a new series in our newsletter: we put the spotlight on professionals who have dedicated decades to the sector. In this edition, we’re excited to kick things off with Christine Van Ginckel of D Navinchandra Gems, who recently celebrated an impressive 40 years in the diamond industry. Do you have a colleague who learned you the ropes, or a loyal employee who has been with the company for a while? Nominate them via the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YMR6JS8
Can you tell us about your role today?
Christine Van Ginckel: I work as a secretary at D Navinchandra Gems, where I support the daily operations of the company. My role includes managing correspondence, coordinating schedules, handling administrative tasks, and ensuring smooth communication between clients, suppliers, and colleagues. In a fast-paced and detail-oriented industry like ours, organization and discretion are essential.
How did you end up in the diamond industry?
Christine: It actually happened quite unexpectedly. After finishing my studies, I registered with the employment office and came across a job opportunity in the diamond district, a world I didn’t know at all at the time.
Although I didn’t get the first job I applied for, I was later referred to a position at Dianco, which was then located in the old Schwarz building. We shared office space with several companies, which made for a very unique start. That’s really where my career in the diamond industry began.
What has kept you in the diamond industry for so long?
Christine: It’s the combination of tradition, trust, and international connections. No two days are the same, and I’ve always enjoyed working with people from different cultures. The human aspect of the industry is what makes it so interesting to me.
At the same time, the atmosphere in the earlier years also played a role: it was more informal and very dynamic, which I loved.
How has the industry changed over the years?
Christine: The changes have been significant, especially when it comes to technology and regulation. When I started, we worked with typewriters, telex, and handwritten records. Later came fax, and eventually computers and email. I remember I got my first computer in 1994, what a change that was!
Today, everything is much faster and more digital, with a stronger focus on transparency and traceability. At the same time, the core values - trust, relationships, and expertise - have remained just as important.
What are some of your most memorable moments?
Christine: One of my fondest memories is celebrating my 20-year anniversary at the company. It came as a complete surprise, and I even received two diamonds as a gift. Moments like that really show appreciation for your work.
I also had the opportunity to travel to India for a wedding in my employer’s family, which was a very special experience and gave me the opportunity to explore the country.
What makes the diamond industry unique, in your view?
Christine: It’s an industry built on trust and relationships. That’s what makes it both special and sometimes difficult to explain to people outside the sector. It has traditionally been quite a closed world, although that is gradually changing.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry today?
Christine: Be patient and pay attention to detail. Trust is everything in this business, so professionalism and reliability are key. Also, take the time to learn from experienced colleagues, a lot of knowledge in this sector comes from hands-on experience rather than theory.
How do you see the future of the diamond industry?
Christine: I think the industry is at a turning point. There are many changes happening, and it’s not always easy to predict what comes next. But I do believe that the fundamentals - trust, relationships, and expertise - will remain central.
Christine when she was just at the beginning of her diamond journey:
