Diamond Industry Icon Lloyd Jaffe Dies at 90

New York--Lloyd Jaffe, a universally respected and revered icon of the diamond industry, died last week. He was 90.

Born July 24, 1926, Jaffe was a former officer and longtime member of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America and received a lifetime achievement award from the association in 1995.

In a statement issued announcing his passing, the DMIA described him as a “loved and respected icon” in the diamond industry worldwide who was a dear friend to many and worked to promote the highest levels of honesty and integrity within the industry.

Jaffe also was one of the co-founders of the American Diamond Industry Association (ADIA), which operated from the early 1980s to the late 1990s.

The association was formed to do public relations for the diamond industry in the wake of the diamond investment crash of the early 1980s. In addition to being one of founders of the organization, Jaffe headed its newsletter.

“In the pre-internet era, he was a pioneer and devoted countless volunteer hours to learn where and how to obtain and 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,” the DMIA said.

“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.”

The DMIA said it extends its sincerest condolences to Jaffe’s wife and family. 

Jaffe is survived by his wife, Solange Rosenblum Jaffe; one daughter, Meryl Jaffe; one son, Michael Jaffe; one sister, Barbara Gail Ellison; and seven grandchildren: Talia Hurwich, Leah Hurwich, Zev Hurwich, Ilan Jaffe, Tamar Jaffe, Keren Jaffe and No’a Jaffe.

Editor’s note: This story was corrected post-publication to reflect Lloyd Jaffe’s correct age. He was 90, not 91, when he died.