New York:  The board and members of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA) issued a statement on Friday, mourning the death of Lloyd Jaffe, a former officer and longtime member of the DMIA. The statement reads as follows:

“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Lloyd Jaffe, a former officer and long-time member of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America. He was a loved and respected icon of the global diamond industry, from De Beers to all members of the International trade, and a dear friend to all who knew him.

Throughout his many years in our industry, Lloyd was dedicated and tireless in his many leadership roles to seek and to promote the highest levels of honesty and integrity throughout the global diamond industry.

Lloyd was a co-inventor of the ADIA, the American Diamond Industry Association publication. In the pre-internet era, he was a pioneer and devoted countless volunteer hours to learn where to obtain and how to make sense of vital statistics pertaining to our industry and then explain that research in clear and understandable terms for the industry at large, enabling it to draw its own conclusions about real time market trends.

Moreover though, Lloyd’s goal was to write in a narrative and educational way to consumers who read the newsletter that explained diamonds and promoted confidence in all of our products. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. On behalf of the entire membership of the DMIA, we extend out sincerest condolences to his wife and his family upon the loss of our dear friend.”