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The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative has announced the members of its third cohort, pictured alongside the Natural Diamond Council’s managing director Kristina Buckley Kayel. They are (clockwise from top left): Bernard James, Amina Sorel, NDC’s Kayel, Rosario Navi, Gwen Beloti, Jessenia Landrum, and Symoné Currie.
New York—There’s a new group of emerging design talent to watch.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
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