1896
Chaim (Charles) Finkelstein, a Russian émigré, establishes himself among the first De Beers sight holders. He incorporates Société Diamantaire Ch. Finkelstein & Co. Nv in Antwerp, Belgium.
Discover 1904
1904
Still in its infancy, the diamond market was in need of organization. Chaim Finkelstein formed the Antwerp Diamond Bourse together with a handful of business associates and served on its Board throughout his professional life, guiding the industry as it continued to mature.
Discover 1940-‘45
1940-‘45
During the dark years of World War II, Abel Finkelstein (Chaim’s son) moves both the family and business to New York, the only point in the company’s history when it was managed outside of Antwerp.
Discover 1960
1960
Representing the third generation, Bernard Finkelstein accepts the mantle of leadership and becomes Managing Director of the company.
Discover 1985
1985
With tremendous foresight, Bernard breaks with De Beers, opting to establish his own supply chain and successfully continues to expand the company’s scope to include manufacturing and industrial diamonds.
Discover 1986
1986
The fourth generation enters. Current Managing Director Charles Finkelstein furthers the scope of the company’s activities with a venture into the Antwerp real estate market.
Discover 1988
1988
David Lunzer joins Finkelstein and the company significantly expands its industrial diamond sales and establishes the Industrial Diamond Division (IDD), supplying graded products for all areas of industry, which include automotive and aerospace, construction, medical, optical, and the mining and oil and gas industries.
Discover 1992
1992
P. David (Dudi) Finkelstein, Bernard’s third son, joins the Industrial Diamond Division and with great attention to detail, trains a dedicated group of young diamond graders, allowing the division to expand into other areas.
Discover 1999
1999
Immo Gem Invest Nv is founded, consolidating all real estate holdings under one company.
Discover 2000
2000
Bernard Finkelstein successfully leads Antwerp’s rough traders through numerous crises. Representing the Diamond High Council (HRD), he is instrumental in regaining a positive image for the industry through his meetings with United Nations representatives in New York during the ‘blood diamond’ dispute.
Immo Gem purchases the then unfinished Diamond Exchange Building, marking its first commercial real estate acquisition. Finkelstein moves its headquarters to the fourth floor three years later.
Discover 2001
2001
The Industrial Diamond Division opens its US sales offices to offer optimal service to its growing US customer base.
Discover 2002
2002
With the untimely passing of Bernard Finkelstein, Charles becomes Managing Director.
Discover 2003
2003
Charles Finkelstein co-founds Petra Diamonds, currently the fourth largest diamond mining company in the world.
Charles Finkelstein establishes Immo South after acquiring several large residential buildings in Antwerp’s trendy “Zuid” district.
Discover 2004
2004
Finkelstein purchases Frohmann Freres Joaillerie, making its entry into the world of luxurious jewellery and exclusive timepieces.
Discover 2007
2007
Finkelstein acquires Coralba International SA, further expanding its diversity into the bottling and distribution of premium mineral water.
Discover 2009
2009
David Finkelstein, Charles’ second son, and representing the family’s fifth generation, joins the company, and with guidance of the company’s current leadership, already shows the promise of the Finkelstein future, taking new steps on an old and successful path.
