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
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
