The Diamond Czar's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Maurice Tempelsman's Controversial Legacy After His 2025 Death

The death of Maurice Tempelsman on August 23, 2025, at the age of 95, closed the chapter on one of the most enigmatic figures in modern history. The news, which broke just days before his 96th birthday, brought renewed focus on a man who successfully navigated two vastly different worlds: the quiet, cultured society of New York’s elite, and the secretive, high-stakes realm of global diamond trading and African geopolitics.

Tempelsman was a diamond czar, a shrewd businessman, and a discreet political operator. But to the public, he was perhaps best known as the devoted, long-time companion of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a relationship that defined his later years. This article, written in December 2025, delves into the complex life of the man who bridged the gap between luxury goods, international intrigue, and one of America's most famous families.

The Life and Legacy of Maurice Tempelsman: A Complete Profile

Maurice Tempelsman’s journey from a Belgian-born immigrant to an internationally influential diamond merchant is a testament to his ambition and discretion. His biography reveals a life intertwined with wealth, power, and secrecy.

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• Full Name: Maurice Tempelsman
• Born: August 26, 1929, in Antwerp, Belgium
• Died: August 23, 2025, in New York City, U.S. (aged 95)
• Cause of Death: Complications from a fall
• Nationality: Belgian-American
• Education: New York University (NYU)
• Occupation: Businessman, Diamond Magnate, Merchant, Founder of Tempelsman Group, Former Chairman of Lazare Kaplan International (LKI)
• Wife: Lilly Bucholz (estranged)
• Children: Leon Tempelsman, Marcy Tempelsman, and Rena Tempelsman (widow of Robert Speisman)
• Key Relationship: Longtime companion of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (from 1980s until her death in 1994)
• Notable Affiliations: De Beers Sightholder, Life Trustee of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Council on Foreign Relations.

Tempelsman began his career early, entering the diamond trade at just 16. By 1950, he had already established a significant foothold, successfully persuading the U.S. government to purchase African industrial diamonds, a move that solidified his early influence.

The Diamond Czar's African Empire: Geopolitics and 'Blood Diamond' Connections

The core of Maurice Tempelsman’s immense wealth and influence lay in his company, Lazare Kaplan International (LKI), and his deep, often controversial, connections in Africa. LKI, which his family acquired a majority interest in 1984, is renowned for its precision-cut diamonds and was one of the world's premier diamond-cutting companies.

Tempelsman’s business model was unlike many of his rivals. He spent decades cultivating relationships with African leaders across the political spectrum, from nationalist figures to outright tyrants. This courtly image in New York was often at odds with the reality of his business operations on the continent.

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His name became inextricably linked to the complex and often brutal politics of resource-rich nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire) and Sierra Leone. Tempelsman was a De Beers sightholder, operating within the sphere of the powerful Oppenheimer family's Anglo-American DeBeers conglomerate, which historically controlled the global diamond supply.

In the 1990s and 2000s, his company was mentioned in connection with allegations surrounding the trade of "blood diamonds" or conflict diamonds, particularly in Angola and Sierra Leone, though Tempelsman and LKI maintained they were working to bring legitimate trade to the region. Declassified memos have even named Tempelsman with direct input in the destabilization of Congo and Sierra Leone, highlighting the geopolitical weight of his business interests.

This dual role as a high-society figure in the U.S. and a power broker in Africa is perhaps the most fascinating and complex part of his legacy, showcasing his ability to operate successfully in the shadows of global politics.

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Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: The Final Chapter of a Storied Romance

For over a decade, Maurice Tempelsman was the steadfast, final partner of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a relationship that began after her marriage to Aristotle Onassis ended with his death. Their bond was one of deep companionship, intellectual connection, and mutual respect, far removed from the public spectacle of her previous marriages.

The relationship began in the 1980s and lasted until Jackie O's death in 1994. Tempelsman, a man known for his discretion, provided the former First Lady with stability and privacy. He was a constant presence, often photographed walking with her in Central Park, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she led with JFK and the extravagant, isolated existence with Aristotle Onassis.

Beyond the emotional support, Tempelsman played a crucial role in managing Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's finances. As a financial expert and diamond magnate, he was purportedly able to significantly increase the value of her considerable nest egg, ensuring her financial security and that of her children, Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr.

His presence was a quiet anchor in her final years, allowing her to pursue a second career as a book editor at Viking and Doubleday. He was by her side during her battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a final act of devotion that cemented his place as the last great love of one of the world's most enduring icons.

The Enduring Enigma of a Geopolitical Mogul

Maurice Tempelsman's passing in 2025 marked the end of an era. He was a man who embodied the intersection of capital, culture, and clandestine global trade. His legacy is not just the flawless diamonds of Lazare Kaplan International or the quiet dignity he brought to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's life. It is also the complex web of political influence he spun across Africa, a testament to his ability to operate in the world’s most challenging environments.

The story of Maurice Tempelsman is one of a true geopolitical mogul—a figure whose true impact may never be fully known, but whose influence shaped the diamond industry, international relations, and the final, peaceful years of an American legend. His life serves as a powerful reminder that the most compelling stories are often found not in the spotlight, but in the quiet, powerful dealings behind the scenes.