MajorsDec 19, 2022
Ben Bridge, Cartier, LVMH Join Effort to Combat Racism in RetailEvents & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship Program
Jewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
A selection of pieces from the “Vega” capsule collection by designer Melanie Eddy, one of the mentees for the Couture Diversity Action Council’s mentorship program in 2021-2022. From now through early February, the DAC is accepting new applications for the two-year program.
New York—Jewelry designers interested in participating in the Couture Diversity Action Council’s mentorship program can apply now.
The mentorship program is a two-year commitment created to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers education, access, and guidance in the fine jewelry industry.
The program is now in its second cycle. The first class of mentees officially started in 2021 and exhibited their work at the 2022 Couture show as “The Radiance by Couture,” which is now carried online by Marissa Collections.
Mentees are paired with mentors from the Couture community, including designers like Lauren Harwell Godfrey and Stephen Webster, Anza Gems founder Monica Stephenson, and Elizabeth Bonanno of The EAB Project.
They work one-on-one together to establish goals for the program and work toward achieving them.
In addition, mentees also will have access to weekly or bi-weekly Zoom education sessions led by a host of experts on a variety of subjects relevant to fine jewelry.
“We recognize that the barriers to entry in our industry are high, and we remain committed to providing access, fostering talent and amplifying the voices of BIPOC designers in the fine jewelry industry through our mentorship program,” said Gannon Brousseau, executive vice president of Emerald and director of Couture.
Those interested can apply online.
The application period closes on Monday, Feb. 6 at noon EST. Finalists will be informed by the following Monday, Feb. 13.
Formed in summer 2020 amid calls for more diversity, equity and representation across all industries, Couture’s Diversity Action Council strives to address the issues of systemic and institutionalized racism that have contributed to a lack of diversity in fine jewelry, and to create and implement programs that give BIPOC members of the industry more opportunity.
Related stories will be right here …
The mentorship program is a two-year commitment created to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers education, access, and guidance in the fine jewelry industry.
The program is now in its second cycle. The first class of mentees officially started in 2021 and exhibited their work at the 2022 Couture show as “The Radiance by Couture,” which is now carried online by Marissa Collections.
Mentees are paired with mentors from the Couture community, including designers like Lauren Harwell Godfrey and Stephen Webster, Anza Gems founder Monica Stephenson, and Elizabeth Bonanno of The EAB Project.
They work one-on-one together to establish goals for the program and work toward achieving them.
In addition, mentees also will have access to weekly or bi-weekly Zoom education sessions led by a host of experts on a variety of subjects relevant to fine jewelry.
“We recognize that the barriers to entry in our industry are high, and we remain committed to providing access, fostering talent and amplifying the voices of BIPOC designers in the fine jewelry industry through our mentorship program,” said Gannon Brousseau, executive vice president of Emerald and director of Couture.
Those interested can apply online.
The application period closes on Monday, Feb. 6 at noon EST. Finalists will be informed by the following Monday, Feb. 13.
Formed in summer 2020 amid calls for more diversity, equity and representation across all industries, Couture’s Diversity Action Council strives to address the issues of systemic and institutionalized racism that have contributed to a lack of diversity in fine jewelry, and to create and implement programs that give BIPOC members of the industry more opportunity.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
