Artur Beller Dead at 77
April 24, 11 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
Artur Beller, president of the Beurs voor Diamanthandel, passed away in Antwerp at age 77 |
(IDEX Online News) - Artur Beller, president of the Beurs voor Diamanthandel, passed away in Antwerp. Beller also served as president of the Belgian Federation of Diamond Bourses and was about to be honored by the Israel Diamond Exchange for his many years of promoting the international trade.
Born in 1934, Beller was involved in the diamond industry for almost 60 years. Recounting once that he originally had wanted to be a surgeon, he said that after taking a summer job at a diamond company he ended up staying in the diamond business.
Starting out as a diamond sorter, Beller spent most of his career at the head of Diamex Manufacturing, which was established in 1956.
He became a member of the Beurs voor Diamanthandel in 1957. In 1983, he was elected to its board and in 1985 he was appointed vice president of the bourse. In 2003, he was elected bourse president.
Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) President Nishit Parikh praised Beller's leading role in the Antwerp diamond sector. "Artur Beller was such an important member of our business for so many years," he said. "He was a great man, and gave so much of himself to Antwerp's diamond business. He was a real gentleman and was always willing to help and advise. He will be very sorely missed," Parikh said.
"Artur's passing leaves a real void in the diamond trade, at his bourse, in Antwerp and in our federation," said Avi Paz, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). "As a member of the of the generation that rebuilt the Antwerp diamond sector after World War II, he served among its leadership for almost 30 years, playing an absolutely critical role. He was a true intellect, with a deep understanding not only of our industry, but of the business world in general. We have lost a mentor, advisor and friend. Our sympathies go out to his family and colleagues."