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 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.
The Latest

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

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

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.


The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

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