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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
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.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
