Events & AwardsOct 11, 2023
Matthew Tratner Joins JA New York MajorsOct 12, 2023
Natural Diamond Council Announces New Board Chair
De Beers Chief Brand Officer David Prager replaces Stephen Lussier.
David Prager, chief brand officer at De Beers, is the new Natural Diamond Council board chair.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council’s board of directors has announced a new chair as Stephen Lussier departs.
Lussier, the longest-serving board member, announced he is retiring as chair and board member.
Replacing him is De Beers Chief Brand Officer David Prager, who has served on the NDC board since last year.
“Across time and borders, natural diamonds stand apart as a source of value and values,” said Prager.
“I would like to thank Stephen for his singular contribution to the NDC since its inception. I am proud to serve as chairman of the NDC and support its dedicated team to connect more people around the world to the diamond dream.”
Lussier retired from De Beers in 2022, where he was most recently executive vice president of brands and consumer markets. He spent four decades promoting diamonds, working for De Beers’ former U.S. advertising agency N.W. Ayer, before going in-house with the miner.
NDC noted Lussier’s essential part in bringing miners together to market natural diamonds through the formation of the Diamond Producers Association in 2015, which has since rebranded itself as the Natural Diamond Council.
The organization said Lussier has served as the connector between it and its member companies.
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Stephen,” said Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie.
“His passion for building the desire for natural diamonds is unmatched in our industry and his experience and knowledge of the industry has been pivotal to the success of the NDC. Despite retiring from De Beers earlier this year, Stephen agreed to continue in his role with the NDC to ensure a smooth transition to our new chair. Personally, I’ll miss his mentorship, but also wish him a very happy retirement.”
As the last of the original board members, Lussier said it has been an honor to serve as chair.
“Consumer desire for diamonds and consumer demand for diamond jewelry are the foundation upon which our industry is built, and the work of the NDC is pivotal in maintaining and building this consumer desire,” he said.
“This could not be clearer than it is in the current market. I remain fully confident that with the right marketing, the diamond dream will live ‘forever.’”
Related stories will be right here …
Lussier, the longest-serving board member, announced he is retiring as chair and board member.
Replacing him is De Beers Chief Brand Officer David Prager, who has served on the NDC board since last year.
“Across time and borders, natural diamonds stand apart as a source of value and values,” said Prager.
“I would like to thank Stephen for his singular contribution to the NDC since its inception. I am proud to serve as chairman of the NDC and support its dedicated team to connect more people around the world to the diamond dream.”
Lussier retired from De Beers in 2022, where he was most recently executive vice president of brands and consumer markets. He spent four decades promoting diamonds, working for De Beers’ former U.S. advertising agency N.W. Ayer, before going in-house with the miner.
NDC noted Lussier’s essential part in bringing miners together to market natural diamonds through the formation of the Diamond Producers Association in 2015, which has since rebranded itself as the Natural Diamond Council.
The organization said Lussier has served as the connector between it and its member companies.
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Stephen,” said Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie.
“His passion for building the desire for natural diamonds is unmatched in our industry and his experience and knowledge of the industry has been pivotal to the success of the NDC. Despite retiring from De Beers earlier this year, Stephen agreed to continue in his role with the NDC to ensure a smooth transition to our new chair. Personally, I’ll miss his mentorship, but also wish him a very happy retirement.”
As the last of the original board members, Lussier said it has been an honor to serve as chair.
“Consumer desire for diamonds and consumer demand for diamond jewelry are the foundation upon which our industry is built, and the work of the NDC is pivotal in maintaining and building this consumer desire,” he said.
“This could not be clearer than it is in the current market. I remain fully confident that with the right marketing, the diamond dream will live ‘forever.’”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
SourcingAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
