The World Diamond Heritage Board (WDHB) has appointed Suresh Hathiramani as Chairman and Alex Popov as Vice-Chairman of the Selection Committee for the World Diamond Heritage List. The announcement was made in Singapore on April 24, 2026.
The World Diamond Heritage List is an industry initiative to identify and document 100 diamonds that have influenced human history. The project is positioned as a long-term effort to build a structured narrative around natural diamonds and their historical significance.
According to Nicolas Chrétien, “This initiative is very much in the same spirit as World Diamond Day, which we created. It represents a unique opportunity for the industry to unite around a clear and meaningful project for the benefit of all. Over time, it will become a powerful platform to build a renewed narrative around natural diamonds, anchored in a long-term vision. It is a duty for the entire industry to be part of and support this initiative.”
Hathiramani brings nearly 45 years of industry experience. He has served multiple terms as President of the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, chaired the Promotion Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, and was a founding member of the World Diamond Mark.
Popov is the founder of the World Diamond Museum and Advisor for Industry and International Relations to the Qatar Diamond Exchange. His work includes organizing diamond exhibitions, conferences, and authoring publications, including Diamonds Across Time.
Commenting on his appointment, Hathiramani said, “I am honoured to lead this eminent group of industry professionals and historians to identify and document the history of the 100 most important diamonds over the ages. These rare treasures of nature have been witness to the power, glory, victories, struggles and follies of some of the most influential and colourful characters of the past 1,500 years. We aim to make the World Diamond Heritage List the most important reference compendium for our generation and future generations to learn from — conveying the lessons of our history and heritage only as a natural diamond can.”
Industry organizations including the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Diamonds Do Good, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council have confirmed participation in the Selection Committee. Additional board members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
