In the January edition of the SBD newsletter for 2025, President Dave Oste takes the floor in this column. He shares insights about his career in the diamond industry and discusses SBD’s operations and future plans. Although he is the first in his immediate family to work in the diamond sector, Dave has always felt drawn to the diamond world. “In 2003, after completing my studies in industrial engineering, I started as a semi-polished planner at Foresee’s,” he says. “Engaging with diamond polishers has always played a crucial role in my career. As a planner, you interact extensively with the polishers, and I have always tried to build strong relationships with them. These relationships were vital for the smooth implementation of new planning technologies. Moreover, their valuable experience allowed me to gain in-depth knowledge about diamond cutting. My people management skills came in handy, as they helped bridge gaps and foster effective collaboration.”
Later in his career, Dave co-founded the company Simply Sparkling, a manufacturer specializing in processing large diamonds, where he served as production manager and was involved in various technological innovations. Today, he works as Head of Manufacturing at HB Antwerp. He has also been a board member of the WTOCD, the former diamond research center. Dave’s involvement with SBD began in 2012 when he became a member. He later joined the General Assembly and then the Board of Directors. His years of experience and dedication ultimately led to his appointment as President in September 2023.
One of Dave’s key priorities is inspiring young people to join the diamond sector. “The median age of diamond workers is high,” he observes, “but I strongly believe we can convince young people of the fascinating and underrated nature of this profession.” He explains that diamond cutting is a complex process requiring precision and technological expertise. “Currently, diamond cutting is taught at the vocational (BSO) level, but it really deserves to be taught at the technical (TSO) level. Each stone is like a mini-project that requires a well-thought-out plan, which must be accurately interpreted and executed using advanced measuring devices. Beyond being a craft, it has become a high-tech profession that demands passion and ambition: passion for transforming rough diamonds into gemstones and ambition to be among the world’s top diamond cutters, for which Antwerp is renowned.”
“SBD is an indispensable ally for entrepreneurs in the diamond sector”
Dave sees SBD as an indispensable ally for entrepreneurs in the diamond sector. “At SBD, you connect with entrepreneurs who share the same goals for the Belgian diamond sector. Collaborating with other companies should not be intimidating; we are all specialized in different niches, so there is often little direct competition.” In addition to providing legal and administrative support, SBD emphasizes networking. “Networking events not only benefit our members directly but also offer external parties an opportunity to learn about and collaborate with our sector.” Under Dave’s chairmanship, new networking events were introduced. In 2024, SBD organized the first edition of Diamond Innovation Connect, where members visited Flanders Make in Leuven. “This event was a great success, not only because of the high turnout of our members but also due to the pleasant collaboration with Flanders Make.” The next edition of Diamond Innovation Connect will be held on February 11, in collaboration with the City of Antwerp. The event will be conducted in English to provide a networking experience for our English-speaking members as well. During the event, leading innovation experts will share their insights, and members will have the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with the speakers. “More information is available, and registration is possible via the registration link . Act quickly, as the maximum number of participants has almost been reached,” Dave advises. Additional networking opportunities for SBD members are planned for June and October.
Regarding SBD’s monthly board meetings, Dave says, “These are essential to our operations. We prepare and follow up on meetings, such as consultations with unions in various joint committees. This has yielded results, such as the repeal of the 1938 law regulating working hours in the diamond industry, which now allows for overtime, and the revision of outdated regulations regarding the recognition of diamond workshops.” During board meetings, challenges in the diamond sector are identified, and solutions to support members are sought. “For example, diamond-impregnated scaives are no longer produced in Belgium. Therefore, we regularly organize group purchases abroad. Another example is group insurance policies for brokers. Individual contracts are often expensive, but through SBD, our members can participate in a collective policy at a favorable rate. Additionally, filling vacancies for diamond cutters is a major challenge. With our efforts to support education, we aim to strengthen diamond-related education.”
“Even in these challenging times, our goal is to make entrepreneurship and employment easier for our members.”
Regarding SBD’s objectives, Dave says, “The sector is facing difficulties, but I hope 2025 will be a better year for the diamond industry in general and for SBD members in particular. Of course, there are many things SBD cannot control. However, we remain committed to improving working conditions for both employers and workers in the diamond sector. Even in these challenging times, our goal is to make entrepreneurship and employment easier for our members. SBD achieves this by representing our members’ interests in various organizations and providing advice and assistance.”
