Independents

Gemist, NDC to Offer Custom Pieces by BIPOC Designers

IndependentsAug 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.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

“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.
 
  
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.
 

The Latest

AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for Auction

Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.

ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI

Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family

The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.

CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA Says

At JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.

Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s Dream

It highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.

Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From Gems

Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients

Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.

TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready Earrings

The designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results

The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022

In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.

Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems

See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.

WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full Year

The new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust

The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.

Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing Up

The mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah

Shah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.

Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the Earth

Hari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.

TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on Traceability

The educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New Owner

Australian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.

AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at Auction

A 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.

Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award Recipients

They will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.

ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February?

Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.

MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval Jewels

The 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show Yet

More than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.

×

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