Diamond industry from all over the world mourns the demise of legendary diamond broker Willie Nagel. Born in 1925, Willie Nagel grew up in Czernowitz, which is now part of Ukraine, and moved with his family as a boy to Palestine in the early days of World War II. An attorney turned diamond broker, Willie’s contribution to the diamond industry has been immense.

De Beers said in a statement: “Willie played a central role in the evolution of the diamond industry over a very long and distinguished career. Although the industry will miss him, his legacy will live on just like the diamonds he was synonymous with.”

Willie is recognized for his role as a leading architect of the System of Warranties and the Kimberley Process, launched in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Josephine; his children Mela, Toni, Joanna, and Adam; and his grandchildren George, Joseph, Ash, and Bo.