SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatSourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program
Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.
The Natural Diamond Council has a new program for “best-in-class” natural diamond retailers.
New York—The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has debuted a new program for natural diamond retailers.
The NDC’s Premier Retailer Accreditation is a complimentary recognition for “best-in-class” natural diamond retailers who operate with the highest standards.
To receive the Premier Retailer seal, a retailer has to meet five standards.
The retailer must stock natural diamonds that have been graded by reputable grading laboratories, like GIA.
The store team has to receive “rigorous” diamond education training to properly guide customers.
The retailer has to provide an “exceptional” in-store experience by sharing the uniqueness of natural diamonds.
The retailer has to use in-house diamond screening tools to ensure customer confidence.
Lastly, they have to transparently demonstrate ethical sourcing and responsible business practices.
“In five years, the NDC has become an established authority with consumers,” said Kristina Buckley Kayel, NDC’s managing director.
Its more than 40 retail partners who have participated in its cooperative marketing have been able to "consistently outperform” market cycles due in part to their commitment to natural diamond marketing and education, she added.
“Now is the right time to leverage NDC’s authority and expand the elevation of diamond retail through a visible Premier Retailer seal that marks adherence to formalized criteria which are communicated to consumers, instilling desirability and confidence in their choice of retailer,” said Buckley Kayel.
Related stories will be right here …
The NDC’s Premier Retailer Accreditation is a complimentary recognition for “best-in-class” natural diamond retailers who operate with the highest standards.
To receive the Premier Retailer seal, a retailer has to meet five standards.
The retailer must stock natural diamonds that have been graded by reputable grading laboratories, like GIA.
The store team has to receive “rigorous” diamond education training to properly guide customers.
The retailer has to provide an “exceptional” in-store experience by sharing the uniqueness of natural diamonds.
The retailer has to use in-house diamond screening tools to ensure customer confidence.
Lastly, they have to transparently demonstrate ethical sourcing and responsible business practices.
“In five years, the NDC has become an established authority with consumers,” said Kristina Buckley Kayel, NDC’s managing director.
Its more than 40 retail partners who have participated in its cooperative marketing have been able to "consistently outperform” market cycles due in part to their commitment to natural diamond marketing and education, she added.
“Now is the right time to leverage NDC’s authority and expand the elevation of diamond retail through a visible Premier Retailer seal that marks adherence to formalized criteria which are communicated to consumers, instilling desirability and confidence in their choice of retailer,” said Buckley Kayel.
The retailers who meet the criteria, via third-party accreditation, will receive the seal as well as other benefits, including access to diamond education and VIP events, like the Natural Diamond Club events hosted during Las Vegas jewelry week.
The in-store POS toolkit will include a complimentary copy of the Only Natural Diamonds magazine and “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” by author Marion Fasel.
They will also receive editorial coverage on the NDC’s website and will be eligible for inclusion in social media campaigns to promote the accreditation and recruit new customers.
The NDC partnered with Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green to pilot test the Premier Retailer Accreditation and measure its impact with geotargeted social media campaigns.
“We experienced strong digital results from the Premier Retailer campaign and are particularly encouraged by the clarity of messaging,” said Lisa Bridge, former president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler.
“As consumers navigate where to shop, this designation helps provide clarity as to what experience customers can expect from us.”
To learn more about the program or to apply, visit the NDC’s website.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
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.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
