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
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
