Ernest Blom, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, issued a statement mourning the death, last week, of one of its former presidents, Edmund Goldstein.

Born in pre-war Berlin, Goldstein moved to Antwerp as a child and escaped to Britain in 1940. There, he joined the army where he served an interpreter, as he was fluent in German, French, Flemish, and English.

Goldstein joined the London Diamond Club in 1941. In 1967 he became president of the club, serving for 27 years, until 1994.

The original membership of the London Diamond Club was approximately 70. Under Goldstein’s leadership the club grew in membership and reputation.

Goldstein was first elected treasurer-general of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, before he was elected as president of the organization, serving from 1986 until 1991. He was declared an honorary life president upon completion of his term.

It was under his leadership that the London Diamond Club had the vision to merge with the London Diamond Bourse in December 1994, thereby establishing the newly formed London Diamond Bourse and Club where he was appointed joint president and two years later became honorary life president.

He is survived by his wife Iris, his children and grandchildren.

JCK