Events & AwardsDec 05, 2022
WJA Foundation Awards Nearly $60K in Scholarships for 2022-2023CollectionsJan 26, 2023
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 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.
More on Collections
The Latest
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
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.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
