Mark Boston, the De Beers broker who early on recognized the potential of the Indian diamond industry, died from cancer on Nov. 13. He was 71.
Boston’s career in the diamond industry spanned some 45 years. He started as a trainee sorting rough for De Beers and eventually joined Antwerp manufacturer S. Grunberger and Son, then a major market player.
His relationship with India began in 1964. After he took over rough broker H. Goldie, he made it a priority to represent Indian companies, long before that country became the dominant force in the diamond industry it is now. In 1990, he helped established the Indian Design Competition, which helped develop and recognize young Indian designers.
Even as he battled cancer in later years, he kept up with the industry, offering candid and witty thoughts on social media and a widely read blog.
In one post he reflected on his life in the trade: “I have made a lot of good friends along the way and met a lot of interesting people. I guess you can take the man out of the business but not the business out of the man.”
He is survived by wife Mily and children Rachel, Jessica, and Becks.
Says Rachel, now a jewelry designer herself, “He was the most incredible father and will be missed by us forever.”
(Image courtesy of Rachel Boston)
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