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.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
