Collections

See Designs From This Group of BIPOC Designers

CollectionsOct 20, 2021

See Designs From This Group of BIPOC Designers

They’re the first cohort from the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz’s “Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative.”

20211120_EDDI-marvindouglas.jpg
Marvin Douglas “El Rosario” ring in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($6,700)
New York—Earlier this year, the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz announced they would offer $1 million worth of diamond credit to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) designers.
 
Now, the fruits of the project are on view on Moda Operandi.
 
The “Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative,” or EDDI for short, has so far awarded six designers $20,000 in credit each.

20211120_EDDI-madebymalyia.jpg
Made by Malyia “Ocean Wave Hoops” in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($12,150)
 
The designers are: Jameel Mohammed of Khiry, Dorian Webb, Constance Polamalu of Birthright Foundry, Marvin Linares of Marvin Douglas Jewelry, Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia, and Lisette Scott of Jam + Rico. 
 
The Natural Diamond Council and Schwartz recognized diamond credit as a significant barrier to entry for emerging designers of color, with the world of diamond dealers often family-run, insular, and limited to specific ethnic groups with a history in the trade.
 
The EDDI program’s intent is to provide equitable opportunities for fine jewelry brands owned and headed by BIPOC designers. 
 
20211120_EDDI-jamrico.jpg
Jam + Rico 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Tropical Trees Earrings” ($12,600)

NDC and Schwartz didn’t just stop at diamond credit, however. They also offered the inaugural group of designers mentorship, guidance, and expertise. The NDC even added a grant to the program for design expenses and to finance elements of production like CAD and sampling.
 
“From the onset, Natural Diamond Council wanted to ensure a dynamic environment that allowed for a flow of communication between our organization and the designers. We set out to listen and learn, crystallizing a structured program step by step, growing from challenges and celebrating success along the way,” said NDC CEO David Kellie.
 
For some of the designers, participating in EDDI has given them the opportunity to work with diamonds for the first time. Now, they have each established a relationship with a diamantaire.

20211120_EDDI-birthrightfoundry.jpg
Birthright Foundry 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Ula Nifo Necklace” ($32,400)
 
The program has also brought about various press and retail opportunities, like the Moda Operandi trunk show happening now.

It features between five and 20 of each of the designer’s new diamond designs, each reflecting their maker’s specific design personalities, inspirations, and brand ethos. 
 
“The EDDI initiative has provided new opportunities and valuable resources to help open the door for BIPOC designers within fine jewelry, which can take years to gain access to,” said Schwartz.

20211120_EDDI-khiry.jpg
Khiry 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Toussaint Link Chain” ($11,000)
 
“Their hard work and passion, paired with EDDI’s mentorship, is helping to prepare and position these talented designers to be at the forefront of today’s jewelry market.”
 
With every designer in the EDDI program awarded $20,000 in diamond credit, many emerging BIPOC designers still have the chance to benefit until the $1 million in credit is used up. 
 
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted online.

20211120_EDDI-dorianwebb.jpg
Dorian Webb 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Coral Choker” ($8,000)
 
Meanwhile, the NDC and Schwartz have selected a second cohort of six designers for the EDDI program.
 
They are: Casey Perez; Corey Anthony Jones; Halle Millien; Lana Ogilvie; Mckenzie Liataud; and Ruben Manuel. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Reese Witherspoon, Tyler James Williams, and Aja Naomi King at the 2024 Emmys
EditorsSep 17, 2024
8 Award-Winning Looks from the Emmys

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the best jewelry looks from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.

20240917_GIA pearl header.jpg
GradingSep 17, 2024
GIA To Include Traceability Info on Some Cultured Pearl Reports

The lab will include reference numbers on reports for cultured pearls that contain bead nuclei embedded with an RFID tag.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsSep 17, 2024
The PR Adviser: The Case for Switching to Shopify

Lilian Raji offers advice to a reader frustrated with the current state of their company’s website.

How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024 2.0 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024

Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.

Issa Rae Cast Jewelry collection
EditorsSep 17, 2024
Q&A: Issa Rae on Her New Jewelry Collection With Cast

The actress shared her inspiration for the collection, insight into her personal style, and which jewels President Barbie would wear.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
1094 rough diamond from Karowe Mine in Botswana
SourcingSep 16, 2024
1,094-Carat Diamond Recovered in Botswana Just Weeks After Historic Find

The giant gem originated from Karowe, the same mine that yielded a 2,492-carat rough diamond in late August.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 16, 2024
New Jersey Jeweler Pleads Guilty To Evading Customs

Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah admitted to dodging customs duties on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology Story

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.

Boucheron’s Madison Avenue storefront and interior
MajorsSep 16, 2024
Boucheron Opens First US Store in New York City

The new boutique is located on Madison Avenue.

Gübelin lab Bangkok
GradingSep 16, 2024
Gübelin Opens Lab in Bangkok

The company’s fourth location worldwide will focus on its AI-powered gem document, the Gem Passport.

JA Multifaceted Learning Workshop
Events & AwardsSep 16, 2024
JA Takes Its Learning Workshops to Washington D.C., New York

Its next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.

Taylor Swift VMAs 2024
EditorsSep 13, 2024
Taylor Swift Brings Diamonds, Edgy Jewels to her VMAs Looks

The artist opted for big yellow diamond earrings, a vintage chain, and white metals at the annual MTV awards show.

Breitling NFL watches for AFC North Conference
WatchesSep 13, 2024
Breitling Inks Licensing Deal with the NFL

The Swiss watchmaker has created limited-edition timepieces for all 32 National Football League teams.

Cartier Black Alley Cat Brooch
AuctionsSep 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s ‘Black Alley Cat’ Brooch

This carved jasper and yellow-diamond-eyed cat brooch from 1962 is the perfect accessory for Friday the 13th.

Zales 100th anniversary marketing campaign
FinancialsSep 12, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales Fall 8%

The jewelry giant said it expects to see an uptick in engagements in the second half of the year.

gia-supplierbulletin 0824.png
Supplier BulletinSep 12, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America

Bruce Bridges AGTA
SourcingSep 12, 2024
AGTA Elects Bruce Bridges as President

He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2025 Grant Applications

Those interested can apply online now through Nov. 15.

Cartier Panthère watch
WatchesSep 11, 2024
These Are the Watches Women Want, Says Chrono24

Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.

Marrow Fine x Adalina Martini and Tennis Necklace
IndependentsSep 11, 2024
Take a Sip of Marrow Fine x Adalina’s $13K Martini

The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.

Lightbox loose lab-grown diamonds
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2024
Lab-Grown, Natural Diamonds to Be Focus of AGS Confluence

Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.

Brilliant Earth Showroom Fairfax Virginia
MajorsSep 11, 2024
Brilliant Earth Expands International E-Commerce

Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.

Gems Keep Giving
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board Chair

The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).

 Jeffrey Lynn High
IndependentsSep 10, 2024
Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60

The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.

Movado When I Move You Move campaign
MajorsSep 10, 2024
Ludacris, Jessica Alba Star in New Movado Campaign

Movado has named five new brand ambassadors, featuring them in its new “When I Move You Move” campaign.

Carol Woolton
TrendsSep 10, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New Book

The jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein
AuctionsSep 09, 2024
US Senator Dianne Feinstein's Jewels Going to Auction

Bonhams will offer more than 70 pieces of the late dignitary’s jewelry next month.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy