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.’”
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
