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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
