Events & AwardsDec 08, 2021
Lorraine Schwartz to Receive Gem Award for Jewelry Style CollectionsFeb 15, 2022
BIPOC Emerging Designers Land at Greenwich St. Jewelers
It’s the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative’s brick-and-mortar debut.
Pictured are jewels from Birthright Foundry and Dorian Webb, both of whom are part of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative. They’re stocked at the collective’s first physical retailer, New York City’s Greenwich St. Jewelers.
New York—A lot can happen in a year.
In January 2021, the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz announced the creation of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, a project aimed at creating a more equitable fine jewelry industry.
The program awards a total $1 million in diamond credit to 50 emerging fine jewelry brands helmed by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) professionals.
The diamond and jewelry industries are steeped in tradition, with professional skill sets passed down through generations. This insular nature makes it hard for emerging brands to break in and develop relationships, particularly in the diamond industry.
“Offering eligible designers the access to build relationships with diamantaires directly will help actualize longevity for their business and the whole of the diamond industry,” NDC told National Jeweler when the EDDI was announced.
Second-generation jewelers Christina Gandia Gambale and Jennifer Gandia, owners of 46-year-old Greenwich St. Jewelers, know what it’s like to carve a path in the industry after starting as outsiders.
Made by Malyia "Progression Diamond Constellation" hoop earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($17,200)
The “Coral” diamond collar ($6,295) and a ring from EDDI designer Dorian Webb
The “Tropical Trees” diamond chandelier earrings ($12,600), “Monfongo” ring ($8,400) and a necklace from Lisette Scott’s brand, Jam + Rico
Growing up, they watched their Puerto Rican immigrant parents establish their New York City business. Today, they’re one of few jewelry companies in New York that can claim Latinx, female ownership.
“Equity and diversity in jewelry enriches and strengthens the industry, making it more exciting and resonant for jewelry lovers everywhere,” they said in an email to National Jeweler.
They’re the first physical retailer for the EDDI collective (and sell it online too).
Late last month the store launched with five designers from the program: Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia; Marvin Linares of Marvin Douglas Jewelry; Constance Polamalu of Birthright Foundry; Dorian Webb; and Lisette Scott of Jam + Rico.
“When you have industry powerhouses like Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz combining forces to address equity in the jewelry industry, we knew that the EDDI was going to be a program that made a difference,” the sisters said.
“We're passionate about emerging and BIPOC artists, so getting involved with the initiative seemed like a natural fit.”
Greenwich’s EDDI capsule collection comprises 28 jewels, ranging from $3,300 to $32,400.
Shoppers will be likely to see more from the capsule’s designers at Greenwich St. Jewelers in the future.
“Each one of these artists have designed collections that can sit alongside the famous names in jewelry, which only proves that there is no lack of talent and creativity, only deficits in access for all,” the retailers said.
More on Collections
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
