In March, we had the pleasure of welcoming Amber Pepper, the newly appointed CEO of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), together with members of the organization’s leadership team.
A seasoned global executive in luxury brand transformation, Amber Pepper brings extensive experience in commercial growth, digital innovation, and consumer-focused storytelling, having held senior leadership positions at leading international luxury and retail companies. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the NDC, with a strong focus on strengthening the desirability of natural diamonds, deepening consumer engagement, and reinforcing the category’s relevance among younger generations of luxury consumers.
During their visit to Antwerp, the delegation met with diamantaires and key industry stakeholders, and received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Diamond Office Antwerp, the official gateway for all diamonds entering and leaving the European Union.
The visit highlighted Antwerp’s position as a leading global trading hub and a key centre for bringing rough diamonds directly from mine to market. At the same time, discussions focused on one of the industry’s most pressing shared priorities: the need for stronger, more coordinated marketing efforts to support consumer confidence and reinforce the emotional value and desirability of natural diamonds.
There was broad alignment around the importance of investing in storytelling and consumer education, particularly to connect with younger audiences in an increasingly competitive luxury landscape. Conversations also explored how the industry can move forward collectively through collaboration and a long-term commitment to building stronger emotional connections between consumers and natural diamonds.
