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 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.


U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.