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

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.


Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

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

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.