Antwerp, May 30, 2023: The global diamond manufacturing community mourns the death of the incomparable Gabi Tolkowsky, who was a “pioneer and a master craftsman who understood the wonder of diamonds like few other people.” (Quote from De Beers)

More than diamonds, Gabi understood people and how diamonds can enthuse and excite people. Of course,  Gabi the diamond expert will be missed and eulogized by many. His professional record, achievements, and milestones remain unparalleled.

However, those privileged to spend time with him will miss Gabi for his warm personality and big heart. Whether you met him by chance ‘on the street,’ i.e., the Hoveniersstraat in Antwerp’s diamond quarter, at an industry event, or, in earlier days, at a trade show, he would give you his full attention and have a meaningful conversation.

Gabi Tolkowsky speaking with Antwerp Diamond Guild's Alexander Dayekh - a like-minded diamond cutter - on a bustling Hoveniersstraat in Antwerp's diamond quarter a few years ago.

Those privileged to spend quality time with him would enjoy exchanges beyond diamonds, as he was well-read and shared broad interests, knowledge, and expertise.

Gabi’s artistic personality and soul made us not only see the magic of a diamond but also enabled us to hear it. The reflection and refraction characteristics of a diamond define the unique pattern that identifies the unique optical signature of a diamond. Gabi found that this signature can be converted into a unique sound pattern, producing the “song of a diamond.”

IDMA President Ronnie VanderLinden with Gabi Tolkowsky at an industry event in earlier days.

In an interview in the year 2000 with Rob Bates of JCK, he said: “’I was talking to my wife about diamond cutting,’ remembers the famed cutter, who is best known for fashioning the 273-ct. De Beers Centenary. ‘I said, Diamond cutting has so many aspects to it, so many variations, it’s like making music. Then it hit me. Music is a wonderful thing. It’s the language of the world. Why can’t a diamond give off music?’ Most people would’ve blamed the idea on oxygen deprivation, but the more Tolkowsky thought about it, the more it made sense. ‘What is light but waves?’ he notes. ‘So can’t a diamond send back sound waves, too?’ Apparently, it can—with the help of technology. He premiered his first ‘compositions’ to a rapt audience at a JCK show in Orlando.”

The IDMA board, members, and staff send their heartfelt condolences to Gabi’s family, friends, and colleagues. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved and cherished him.

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Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabi_Tolkowsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d45zHdARc_0

https://www.jckonline.com/magazine-article/rockmusic-making-diamonds-sing/

About IDMA

IDMA was founded and convened for the first time in 1946 in Antwerp. It is committed to fostering and promoting the highest ideals of honesty and best practice principles throughout the global diamond industry and full compliance with all relevant national and international laws. The organization has developed and adopted a Code of Conduct binding on all 15 member associations. IDMA also works to encourage fair and honorable practices and decent working conditions for industry employees; and to preserve, protect and promote consumer trust and confidence in diamonds. It encourages and supports social responsibility by the industry with respect to all citizens of the world. The Association has played an active role in establishing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and is a co-founder of the World Diamond Council.