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.

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.
The Latest

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.


The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

In its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.