The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has entered a new chapter in its 85-year history with the election of Charlotte Rose as its first female president, marking a landmark moment for the UK-based institution and sending a strong signal to the global diamond trade. Her election represents both a symbolic and practical shift toward more diverse leadership in an industry that has long been dominated by men.
Rose was elected during the London Diamond Bourse’s Annual General Meeting held on June 25, becoming the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1940. The LDB notes that she is believed to be the first female president of any diamond bourse worldwide, a milestone that underscores increasing attention to gender diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of trade governance. Her elevation to the presidency reflects evolving expectations from members, stakeholders and consumers who increasingly value representative leadership.
A respected figure in the jewellery sector, Charlotte Rose brings extensive experience from both retail and auction environments. She is the founder and director of vintage jewellery specialist Solomons & Rose and heads the fine jewellery division at auction house Furlong. Those roles have given her practical insight into market trends, valuation, and the intersecting needs of buyers, sellers and collectors. Prior to her election as president, Rose served as the London Diamond Bourse’s vice president, a role she assumed in 2024 and in which she became only the second woman globally to hold a vice-presidential position within a diamond bourse.
Charlotte Rose succeeds David Troostwyk, who led the organization for two and a half years and will now continue serving as vice president. The leadership transition was presented as collaborative and forward-looking, with Troostwyk expressing his support for Rose and a shared commitment to the organization’s strategic priorities. Maintaining continuity while accelerating modernization efforts is a stated goal for the combined leadership team.
Rose has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening the bourse’s influence both within the United Kingdom and in international markets. Key priorities include expanding collaboration across the diamond and jewellery supply chain, creating new business opportunities for LDB members, and actively attracting and mentoring the next generation of professionals to ensure the industry’s sustainability. She has emphasized that the initiatives introduced during her tenure should deliver enduring benefits that extend beyond her presidency, reinforcing institutional resilience and member value.
Central to Rose’s stated aims is a commitment to transparency and responsible business practices across the trade. She has highlighted the need for practical measures that build consumer confidence, support compliance with evolving regulations and encourage ethical sourcing. By fostering partnerships across the supply chain—from miners and manufacturers to retailers and auction houses—the bourse intends to promote trust and accountability while preserving the integrity of traditional trading relationships.
David Troostwyk welcomed Rose’s appointment, describing her as a forward-looking leader with the determination and strategic vision required to guide the organization through a changing global landscape. Troostwyk reiterated his pledge to support the new president and to help maintain the modernization initiatives introduced during his term, noting the importance of collective effort to adapt to market shifts and technological change.
Rose’s appointment has been widely recognized across the international diamond community. The World Diamond Council described her election as a historic milestone and acknowledged her longstanding contributions to promoting trust, transparency and responsible practices within the jewellery trade. Observers have also noted her involvement in initiatives aimed at strengthening consumer confidence in the diamond supply chain, including work related to warranty and disclosure frameworks that support ethical commerce.
The Annual General Meeting also resulted in additional leadership appointments: Wolf Rabstein was elected treasurer and Paul Koppelman was re-elected as executive officer, completing the organization’s refreshed leadership team. Together, the new and continuing officers have signalled a clear intent to combine respect for the bourse’s traditions with a pragmatic approach to innovation and growth.
As one of the founding members of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the London Diamond Bourse continues to play a significant role in shaping global standards and market practice. Charlotte Rose’s presidency signals a new era for the institution that blends heritage with a contemporary, inclusive approach aimed at fostering innovation, supporting ethical trade and encouraging long-term industry growth.