NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ Class
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.

The Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz’s “Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative” (EDDI) has announced its third group of designers.
Started in 2021, EDDI began as a pledge to offer $1 million worth of diamond credit to young brands helmed by Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) designers, $20,000 per brand.
The program has proved to be far more holistic than just diamond credit, however.
Designers who have been selected to participate in EDDI in the two previous classes have benefited from additional funds toward production costs and been paired with industry experts for mentorship.
They’ve seen their designs sold at dedicated EDDI showcases at retailers Moda Operandi, 1stDibs, Gemist, and Greenwich St. Jewelers.
Now, a third designer cohort of six brands is set to leave its mark.
The 2023 EDDI designers are: Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry, Bernard James Jewelry, Gwen Beloti Collection, Jevela, Rosario Navia, and Metal x Wire.
Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry is inspired by art and culture, particularly as experienced through designer Amina Sorel’s travels in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Bernard James Jewelry by designer Bernard James aims to provoke thought and conversation and is based on the idea that there is beauty to be found in everything.
Gwen Beloti Collection, by Gwen Beloti, focuses on accessible and size-inclusive jewelry to be worn every day.
Jevela, from designer Jessenia Landrum, uses design to illustrate people’s stories and experiences.
Designer Rosario Navia’s namesake line focuses on elevated everyday fine jewelry staples and engagement rings and is inspired by the Latina women who have influenced her.
Metal x Wire, from designer Symoné Currie, creates inclusive designs for all gender expressions that mix fierce and elegant design aesthetics.
“We are thrilled to partner with the next inspiring group of jewelry designers as part of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative,” said Natural Diamond Council Managing Director Kristina Buckley Kayel.
“The program continues to evolve and yield transformative outcomes for the designers. We are incredibly proud and committed to provide these designers of color with all the tools and mentorship they need to achieve successful and sustainable businesses.”
Schwartz said, “Congratulations to the new class of designers. I look forward to seeing their creativity come to life, and I am so excited to see where it leads them to. It’s been great to work with so many talented emerging designers over the past two years, and inspiring as well.”
The 2023 EDDI designers will create a diamond jewelry capsule collection debuting at some point this year. They also will attend the Luxury by JCK Show in Las Vegas this spring.
EDDI accepts applications on a rolling basis. The program will conclude when the $1 million in diamond credit runs out.
The Latest

The company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.

The lab confirmed it did not send the message.

Reginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.

Awareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.

The second installment of “To Treasure Now and Forever” is intended to emphasize diamonds’ versatility.


It features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.

Economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds are clouding the outlook for mined diamonds.

Do you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.

Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.

The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.

GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.

From holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.

The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.

The geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.

The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.

The suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.

The ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.

The jewels, including gold rings and pendants, are said to be from 500 A.D.

Grib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.

The company anticipates resuming exploration and mining operations and rehiring staff in 2025.

The antique and vintage jewelry and watch selling event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29.

Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.

De Beers is putting the emphasis on natural diamonds in Q4 and ending Lightbox’s lab-grown diamond engagement ring test run.

The brand-new style can be worn three ways.

The tech company is launching a consignment service for sellers of luxury fashion goods, starting with handbags.

With prices starting at $15, the Kendra Scott at Target collection launches next month.

The fund provides grants to organizations that better the jewelry industry.