EditorsJul 14, 2022
In ‘The Radiance,’ 13 Talented Designers Offer Distinctive Points of ViewIndependentsAug 08, 2022
Gemist, NDC to Offer Custom Pieces by BIPOC Designers
Dorian Webb, one of the designers in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, will be the first to work with Gemist.
Dorian Webb is one of the designers who is a part of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, an initiative of the Natural Diamond Council and designer Lorraine Schwartz aimed at creating a more equitable fine jewelry industry. She will be the first of several BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) designers to offer customizable jewelry via Gemist.
Los Angeles—Jewelry e-tailer Gemist is partnering with the Natural Diamond Council on a new custom design experience.
The company specializes in “try-and-buy” technology, allowing customers to create a custom jewelry design on its website and receive a free replica of the piece, letting them try it on and wear it before completing the purchase.
Gemist will lend the custom design element of its technology, and later the try-and-buy aspect, to the designers of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI), a project by the Natural Diamond Council and designer Lorraine Schwartz aimed at creating a more equitable fine jewelry industry.
The initiative, now in its second round, offers $1 million of diamond credit to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) designers, $20,000 per designer.
“Our goal is to amplify the artistic vision of those incredible BIPOC designers by making their pieces customizable by jewelry lovers everywhere through Gemist’s interactive customization platform,” said Gemist.
The try-on at home aspect of Gemist’s technology will also be made available as the partnership grows, said Gemist.
Jewelry designer Dorian Webb, a member of the inaugural group of the EDDI, will be the first to work with Gemist.
Webb is an award-winning designer and an active member of the art world.
Webb is an award-winning designer and an active member of the art world.
Here, the 18-karat gold “Trellis Dome” ring is imagined in various metals set with diamonds or gemstones.
A pair of Dorian Webb studs in different metals, set with diamonds or gemstones
She developed a love of Venetian glass blowing during a semester abroad as a junior at Yale University studying architecture. The experience has inspired her work and given her an appreciation for the power of handcrafted objects.
Webb is a board member of the Yale Alumni Arts League and is on the board of directors for the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco.
“Dorian has chosen multiple unique designs for this partnership; beautiful exclusive variations of her dome ring and trellis earrings will be accompanied by the Gemist design experience where consumers can choose their own style, shapes, stone, and metal types,” said Gemist.
The partnership with Dorian Webb, available via the Gemist website, begins Aug. 11.
A new EDDI designer is set to be announced every four to eight weeks, with Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia up next.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingDec 04, 2023
David Prager To Leave De Beers in 2024Ryan Perry, who has been with De Beers since 2002, also will be leaving the company next year.
WatchesDec 04, 2023
Chrono24 Debuts the ‘Dow Jones’ for Luxury WatchesThe watch seller’s new index tracks sales data from 14 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
MajorsDec 04, 2023
David Bouffard to Leave Signet, RJCThe industry veteran will step down from both roles in April 2024.
Brought to you by
The Most Important “C” in Diamonds: Confidence!Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.
TrendsDec 04, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent DecemberTanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are all options for December babies, who sometimes “get the birthday shaft,” Amanda Gizzi writes.
Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany ExecThe lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipThe company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It PlatinumWith holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond NecklaceIt’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong KongThe 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.
MajorsNov 30, 2023
Claire’s Hires Former Bath & Body Works Exec as CFO, COOChris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow DiamondThe stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRFFrom Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC FundingThe growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on AmericaThe best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th StoreIt’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 YearsNext year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday SeasonSales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ JewelryThe brand has released five new collections.
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of GovernorsTo honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadThere have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November GlowThese 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for WildlifeThe money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in SpainThe jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.
