GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO SourcingJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step Down
Kellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, announced Sunday via LinkedIn that he will step down at the end of the year.
New York—David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council, has announced he will step down at the end of 2025.
He posted the news to his personal LinkedIn profile on Sunday.
“I remain committed to the mission of the NDC through the remainder of the year, including the onboarding of new members and the launch of a successful new campaign in Q4,” he wrote, adding that he plans to “enjoy a life of retirement” following his resignation.
Prior to joining the organization as CEO in 2019, Kellie was a marketing executive at Watches of Switzerland and Ralph Lauren.
Originally established in 2015 as the Diamond Producers Association, the organization was renamed in 2020.
It was launched to promote natural diamonds worldwide, initially funded by the world’s seven largest diamond producers, the three largest being Russian diamond miner Alrosa, De Beers Group, and Rio Tinto.
Though its annual allowance quadrupled in its first two years, the NDC’s budget was impacted by Alrosa’s withdrawal in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions on Russian diamonds.
Related stories will be right here …
He posted the news to his personal LinkedIn profile on Sunday.
“I remain committed to the mission of the NDC through the remainder of the year, including the onboarding of new members and the launch of a successful new campaign in Q4,” he wrote, adding that he plans to “enjoy a life of retirement” following his resignation.
Prior to joining the organization as CEO in 2019, Kellie was a marketing executive at Watches of Switzerland and Ralph Lauren.
Originally established in 2015 as the Diamond Producers Association, the organization was renamed in 2020.
It was launched to promote natural diamonds worldwide, initially funded by the world’s seven largest diamond producers, the three largest being Russian diamond miner Alrosa, De Beers Group, and Rio Tinto.
Though its annual allowance quadrupled in its first two years, the NDC’s budget was impacted by Alrosa’s withdrawal in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions on Russian diamonds.
The announcement of Kellie’s exit comes weeks after a new development that secures additional funding for the organization.
The Luanda Accord, signed by a handful of African countries, as well as global diamond trading centers and organizations, states that the signatories will allocate 1 percent of their annual revenue generated from rough diamond sales to the NDC to market natural diamonds globally.
The news also comes amid widespread and polarized discussion on the NDC’s newest campaign—a set of banner advertisements using Gen Z slang to compare natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.
The ads were posted in midtown Manhattan.
The ads were “a low-budget guerilla marketing test,” appearing only in New York, and were taken down after the negative reaction on LinkedIn, JCK reported.
Regarding Kellie's successor, the organization said, “The board of directors will take their time to consider a new person for the role vacated and will provide more information once that search is complete."
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
