Industry Mourns Diamond Broker Mark Boston

RAPAPORT… Mark Boston, a much-loved rough-diamond broker credited with
driving forward India’s cutting industry, died last Monday at the age of 71.




He passed away at Royal Trinity Hospice in London, having
decided to stop treatment last month after an 11-year battle with cancer, his
family said in a recent statement.



Boston, chairman of rough brokerage H. Goldie, started his
45-year career in the diamond industry as a trainee broker, sorting rough at
the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) — now De Beers’ Global Sightholder Sales. He
also worked at S. Grunberger, an Antwerp-based manufacturer.



He first visited Mumbai in 1964, and later took on several
Indian clients, ensuring rough made its way to the nation’s growing
manufacturing sector. Industry members widely regard him as an early supporter
of the trade in India, where he helped many diamond companies get on the map.



“His pioneering vision and passion for India paved the way
for many Indian diamond companies to become some of the world’s leading
manufacturers,” his family said. “His guidance, support and unwavering belief
in people helped shape these businesses and shone a light on the talent and capabilities
of Surat and in realizing its full potential to the world.”



Remembered as a warm and humble gentleman, he also wrote a
widely respected blog, Boston’s Blog, in which he tackled important issues in
the trade.


“Mark was a passionate and dedicated person who believed in
the hard work and accomplishments of the Indian manufacturers,” added Mahiar
Borhanjoo, managing director of Indian manufacturer Venus Jewel International
and a former De Beers executive. “He was instrumental in the introduction and
support of Indian diamond manufacturers to receive primary supply from the
diamond mining sector.”