Events & AwardsSep 16, 2024
JA Takes Its Learning Workshops to Washington D.C., New YorkEvents & AwardsSep 18, 2024
Couture DAC Opens Applications for Next Class of Mentees
BIPOC designers can apply for a spot in the mentorship program’s third cohort until Oct. 8.
The outgoing cohort, The Luminaries by Couture, pictured here, will finish out its year and assist with the selection of the incoming class.
New York—The Couture Diversity Action Council (DAC) has opened its application window for the next cohort in its mentorship program.
The two-year program is designed to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers access and guidance in the fine jewelry industry through one-on-one mentorship, community resources, and education.
Participants have the opportunity to attend the annual Couture show in an observational capacity in the first year, and in the second year, they may be offered the chance to exhibit their collections.
“Our DAC mentorship program aims to identify the best and brightest of BIPOC talent and utilize our combined resources to provide the education, access, and information necessary for their success,” said Eric Ford, precious jewelry buyer for Neiman Marcus and head of the DAC.
“The fine jewelry industry already has a high barrier for entry, and while it is that much more challenging for those from marginalized communities, we firmly believe that these voices deserve to be heard. By pairing designers with mentors who complement their strengths, and providing education from experts in their fields in group sessions, we not only arm them with information, we also create opportunities for these individuals to expand their network and their community.”
Related stories will be right here …
The two-year program is designed to give Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers access and guidance in the fine jewelry industry through one-on-one mentorship, community resources, and education.
Participants have the opportunity to attend the annual Couture show in an observational capacity in the first year, and in the second year, they may be offered the chance to exhibit their collections.
“Our DAC mentorship program aims to identify the best and brightest of BIPOC talent and utilize our combined resources to provide the education, access, and information necessary for their success,” said Eric Ford, precious jewelry buyer for Neiman Marcus and head of the DAC.
“The fine jewelry industry already has a high barrier for entry, and while it is that much more challenging for those from marginalized communities, we firmly believe that these voices deserve to be heard. By pairing designers with mentors who complement their strengths, and providing education from experts in their fields in group sessions, we not only arm them with information, we also create opportunities for these individuals to expand their network and their community.”
The program is in its third cycle.
The current cohort, The Luminaries by Couture, will continue to receive direction and guidance via mentors and education sessions through the end of this year, as well as taking part in Zoom meetings with select designers from The Radiance by Couture, the culmination of the DAC’s first mentorship program in 2020.
The Luminaries by Couture are, from left to right, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z Fine Jewelry, Sasha Flynn of Adore-Adorn, Casey Perez, Alexia Connellan, Bliss Lau, and Ama McKinley of Ilium Wing. The seventh DAC mentee, Ope Omojola of Octave Jewelry, continues to be a part of the program but did not participate in Couture this year.
The outgoing cohort will also be part of the selection process for the incoming mentees.
Couture’s DAC was formed in the summer of 2020 in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the nationwide calls for racial justice, and more diversity and equity in all fields.
Comprised of retailers, designers, press, and other industry insiders, DAC focuses on addressing the issues of systemic and institutionalized racism that have contributed to the lack of diversity in the fine jewelry industry.
Its mission is to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry through programs that support BIPOC individuals throughout the jewelry supply chain.
A complete list of DAC members is available here.
To apply for the next DAC mentorship program, click here.
Applications will be reviewed by the full council and then narrowed to a smaller group, which will be interviewed by committee before the final selection of mentees.
The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 8.
For more information about the DAC mentorship program, to schedule an interview with DAC decision makers, or to volunteer as a mentor and/or expert speaker, please contact Michelle Orman at (646) 302-5521 or via email at Michelle@LastWordComm.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
