Belgium Diamond Veteran Jacques Korn Dies

RAPAPORT... The Belgian diamond industry is mourning the death of Jacques "Jacky" Korn, a former president of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse and a veteran of the trade.Korn previously served as the vice president of the Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). He died on Sunday, the Antwerp Diamond Bourse said in a note to members the same day. On Monday, the bourse's trading hall stayed closed until 12 p.m. as a mark of respect. The exchange's management also asked members to observe a minute's silence at 11 a.m. that morning."Jacky's passing leaves a real void, and we have lost a mentor, adviser and friend," the note continued. "Our sympathies go out to his family and friends."Korn was elected president of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse in 2016. He stood down earlier this year, with David Gotlib succeeding him. "He was a true gentleman with a razor-sharp mind and a terrific sense of humor," said Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC, who worked alongside Korn on the trade organization's board."I will remember Jacky as a very amicable man with a heart for Antwerp, who demanded authority through his calm demeanor and decisiveness. He will be greatly missed."Image: Jacques Korn. (Donald Woodrow/AWDC)