RONNIE VANDERLINDEN

President & Vice President

IDMA & World Diamond Council

Ronnie VanderLinden began his career in the diamond industry in 1977 working as a diamond sawyer. Three years later, he broadened his training by joining a privately held international firm in New York, staying with the company for nearly 10 years, and gradually assuming greater responsibilities. This hands-on experience gave him the experience needed to open his own business, which he began in 1990. Ronnie is President of Diamex, Inc. and of Russian Classics, Inc. 

Mr. VanderLinden has become well-known for his knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds. Nowadays, he finds himself traveling extensively in the USA, the Far East, Eastern and Western Europe, and Canada for business as well as to consult with other key industry leaders. 

He has become deeply involved in all aspects of the industry by maintaining top positions in national and global organizations. 

He is a former Chairman of the Board of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York; served as Vice President and Chief Financial officer of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) and was elected to its presidency from 2013 to 2021, serving to terms. He also co-chaired the DMIA Gemological Committee. Since it was founded at the turn of the century, he has served as a director of the World Diamond Council (WDC). In November 2015, Mr. VanderLinden was elected as the founding President of the U.S. Jewelry Council, serving until 2021. He was elected IDMA President in 2016 and Vice President of the World Diamond Council in 2022.