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
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
