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New York, NY—Jacques Roisen, a renowned diamantaire, died May 26. He was 91.

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, as the son of a diamantaire, Roisen originally had planned to become a pediatrician, not a diamond dealer. Prior to World War II, he was enrolled in medical school in Antwerp, but the world had other plans. As the war broke out, the Roisen family fled to the United States. Grateful to his adopted land, Jacques Roisen entered the United States Army in 1942.

Roisen married his childhood sweetheart Alice Ferman, pictured with him at left, in 1944. She, also the daughter of a diamantaire, survives him, along with two daughters, Shelley Roisen and Rita Kwiat, son-in-law Sheldon Kwiat, grandchildren Michele and Steven Kwiat and their spouses, and two great-grandchildren.

When Roisen was discharged from the army, he learned that his medical school records in Antwerp had been destroyed during the war. Rather than begin his studies again from scratch, he decided to join his father-in-law’s diamond business, ultimately called Michael Ferman, Roisen, and Ferman.

Roisen was a staunch believer in both integrity and philanthropy. Outside the industry, he was a supporter of UJA-Federation, ORT America, and the Sid Jacobsen Jewish Community Center in Roslyn, NY.

His was a steady and powerful voice in the diamond trade, and he served as head of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America, and the global International Diamond Manufacturers Association. He was honored by DMIA for his contributions in 2006. As news of his death spread throughout the industry, tributes to him on Facebook underscored the regard in which he was held.

Rachel Rosin, a former De Beers/N.W. Ayer employee who knew Roisen from her work in the industry, wrote on her page, “The industry has lost a wonderful supporter, and I have lost a wonderful friend. He was like the diamonds he sold: unique, sparkling, and one of a kind.” 

Stanley Zale commented to her post, “Jacques Roisen was among the legends of the New York diamond business. He set an example of integrity and hard nosed business skills that remain as benchmarks of our industry to this day. A sad loss for our industry, and his family, that cannot be replaced.”

Terry Chandler added, “There are a few people who have made a difference. Jacques was one.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UJA-Federation or ORT America.