GradingDec 06, 2023
GIA Debuts Revamped Graduate Jeweler ProgramMajorsDec 13, 2023
NDC, BIJC Launch Jewelry Education Program for High School Students
It will be available beginning next fall for students at Baldwin High School on New York’s Long Island.
The Natural Diamond Council and the Black In Jewelry Coalition have teamed up to bring a jewelry education program to Baldwin High School in New York.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council has partnered with the Black in Jewelry Coalition to launch a jewelry education program for high school students.
The first of its kind, the creators said, the program will be offered at Baldwin High School on Long Island, in Baldwin, New York. It’s set to begin next fall.
The program is designed to train, inspire, and mentor potential talent on jewelry fundamentals.
It will explore each facet of the jewelry industry, from bench to design to retail, educating young people on just how many different kinds of jobs there are available in the industry.
“BIJC takes pride in collaborating with NDC to introduce a high school jewelry program at Baldwin High School,” BIJC President Annie Doresca said.
“Our goal is to inspire students, and foster their passion for the jewelry industry, while addressing the shortage of skilled bench jewelers. Introducing such programs to high school students is a positive direction towards enhancing diversity within the industry and making a meaningful impact.”
Kristina Buckley Kayel, Natural Diamond Council managing director, said the NDC is proud to be partnering with BIJC in 2024.
“We remain committed to the growth and advancement of the jewelry industry, with a firm belief in creating opportunities for diverse students aspiring to enter this field,” she said.
“It is critical we facilitate and expand entry into our legacy industry, where long-term quality careers are possible from design to technology to retail and beyond.”
For the past three years, NDC has offered its Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) program in partnership with Lorraine Schwartz, in which a total of 18 Black, Indigenous, or People of Color designers received diamond credit and grants, along with mentorship and exposure.
Though EDDI will be paused in 2024 to “ensure optimal support of the [new] initiative,” NDC’s partnership with BIJC is a continuation of the organizations’ collective mission to build a more equitable future for the diamond jewelry industry, Buckley Kayel said.
She added that NDC’s goal is to eventually roll out the program to high schools nationwide.
Related stories will be right here …
The first of its kind, the creators said, the program will be offered at Baldwin High School on Long Island, in Baldwin, New York. It’s set to begin next fall.
The program is designed to train, inspire, and mentor potential talent on jewelry fundamentals.
It will explore each facet of the jewelry industry, from bench to design to retail, educating young people on just how many different kinds of jobs there are available in the industry.
“BIJC takes pride in collaborating with NDC to introduce a high school jewelry program at Baldwin High School,” BIJC President Annie Doresca said.
“Our goal is to inspire students, and foster their passion for the jewelry industry, while addressing the shortage of skilled bench jewelers. Introducing such programs to high school students is a positive direction towards enhancing diversity within the industry and making a meaningful impact.”
Kristina Buckley Kayel, Natural Diamond Council managing director, said the NDC is proud to be partnering with BIJC in 2024.
“We remain committed to the growth and advancement of the jewelry industry, with a firm belief in creating opportunities for diverse students aspiring to enter this field,” she said.
“It is critical we facilitate and expand entry into our legacy industry, where long-term quality careers are possible from design to technology to retail and beyond.”
For the past three years, NDC has offered its Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) program in partnership with Lorraine Schwartz, in which a total of 18 Black, Indigenous, or People of Color designers received diamond credit and grants, along with mentorship and exposure.
Though EDDI will be paused in 2024 to “ensure optimal support of the [new] initiative,” NDC’s partnership with BIJC is a continuation of the organizations’ collective mission to build a more equitable future for the diamond jewelry industry, Buckley Kayel said.
She added that NDC’s goal is to eventually roll out the program to high schools nationwide.
“The Baldwin School District is thrilled to launch this innovative partnership with the Natural Diamond Council and Black in Jewelry Coalition,” said Dr. Shari L. Camhi, superintendent of Baldwin Union Free School District.
“Our district is committed to cultivating professional partnerships that will equip our students with the skills necessary to succeed in the future. To be able to launch this jewelry education program at Baldwin High School will open the door to a myriad of opportunities within the jewelry industry. We are humbled by NDC and BIJC’s decision to collaborate with our district and look forward to seeing the program come to fruition.”
The NDC x BIJC program will be part of the Academic Academies Program at Baldwin High School. It will allow students to “connect the classroom to the working world” through professional shadow days, internships, and inter-school, regional, and national competitions, as well as co-curricular activities.
The goal is to provide students with various learning experiences to ensure they gain the skills and knowledge required to succeed despite the challenges they may face, NDC said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
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.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
