Events & AwardsMar 24, 2021
Here Are the 3 Recipients of Boma’s BIPOC Jewelry Designer GrantsEvents & AwardsMar 31, 2021
Meet the First 6 Participants in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative
They are: Marvin Linares, Malyia McNaughton, Jameel Mohammed, Constance Polamalu, Lisette Scott, and Dorian Webb.
The first six designers selected to participate in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative are, clockwise from top left, Malyia McNaughton, Dorian Webb, Jameel Mohammed, Lisette Scott, Constance Polamalu and Marvin Linares.
New York—The selection committee behind the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative has picked the first six designers who will participate in the Lorraine Schwartz-backed program intended to create equity for minority jewelry designers.
Created by Schwartz and the Natural Diamond Council, the initiative launched in January and offers a total of $1 million of diamond credit to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) designers.
The idea behind the program is to remove a barrier to entry to designing with diamonds—receiving and establishing a line of credit—and to allow designers to establish relationships with diamond dealers.
The plan is for the credit to be extended in increments of $20,000, to a total of 50 designers.
Last week, the committee—which is comprised of Schwartz, NDC CEO David Kellie, celebrity stylist Jason Rembert and Vanity Fair Fashion Director Nicole Chapoteau—revealed the names of the first six designers selected.
They are as follows.
Constance Polamalu, Birthright Foundry
Instagram: @constancethejeweler
Polamalu is an American-Samoan woman and first-generation jeweler who is based in Annapolis, Maryland.
A new mother ignited by the turmoil of 2020, she launched her jewelry brand, Birthright Foundry, as a way to preserve and resurrect culturally significant stories.
The Samoan oratory culture runs through Polamalu’s veins; she considers English her first language and jewelry her second, with all her design stories written in metal.
In addition to being a new mom and the founder and CEO of Birthright Foundry, Polamalu works as the chief operating officer at Maryland independent Zachary’s Jewelers.
Dorian Webb, Dorian Webb
Instagram: @dorian.webb
Webb founded her eponymous company while studying architecture at Yale University.
Inspired by the artistry of Venetian glassblowing, she started out combining Murano glass with gemstones to create colorful, handcrafted pieces sold by high-end retailers in the United States, including Neiman Marcus, as well as in Canada and Japan.
Her work has garnered numerous awards. In 2019, it landed her a solo exhibition at the Thelma Harris Art Gallery in Oakland and she was a finalist in the 2021 edition of TheNextNow, Ylang 23’s competition for emerging jewelry designers.
After relocating from New York to Oakland, California, Webb re-evaluated her company’s goals and business model and decided to focus on online direct-to-consumer sales. She also launched Uplift, a project that created pop-up stores in empty spaces in downtown Oakland for Black businesses, artisans, and artists.
An avid reader, Webb pens a monthly column for a local magazine and is working on a coffee-table book that demonstrates the existence of an influential, polyrhythmic African-American design aesthetic, and showcases often-overlooked Black artists and designers.
Jameel Mohammed, Khiry
Instagram: @khiryofficial
Mohammed began his design career at age 16, interning for Nicole Miller and Narciso Rodriguez while still in high school at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
In 2014 while studying political science at the University of Pennsylvania, a necklace Mohammed designed caught the eye of a Barneys New York executive and steered him in another direction—jewelry design.
He accepted an internship at the company, where he learned the ins and outs of merchandising and retail buying, and in 2016 he launched Khiry, an Afrofuturist luxury brand.
Khiry uses luxury fashion to make statements about the value of Black life and culture, and the brand’s polished and sculptural jewelry is crafted in gold vermeil and sterling silver with colored gemstones and handwoven leather embellishments.
He also recently debuted a fine collection with Net-a-Porter.
He also recently debuted a fine collection with Net-a-Porter.
Lisette Scott, Jam + Rico
Instagram: @jamandrico
Growing up, Scott was constantly influenced by her familial cultures.
Her grandparents were immigrants from Jamaica and Puerto Rico, and she was always curious about the upbringing and traditions—particularly the food and music—of their respective homelands.
The colors, carnivals, art, beaches, and languages of both Jamaica and Puerto Rico all inspire Scott’s designs, and she created Jam + Rico (Jamaica and Puerto Rico) to dive deeper into both her love of creating and of the Caribbean.
In addition to running her own company, Scott is the events chair for the newly formed Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), which works for the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry and watch industries.
Malyia McNaughton, Made by Malyia
Instagram: @madebymalyia
A self-taught designer based in Brooklyn, New York, McNaughton founded Made by Malyia in 2014.
The youngest of five children, she was “fashion obsessed” from a young age, often reinventing her style.
After graduating from Florida State University, McNaughton seized an opportunity working with leading fashion brands in New York.
Her jewelry brand, Made By Malyia, started with a search for the perfect body chain for an upcoming music festival, which McNaughton ended up creating on her own.
Friends and strangers loved it, and soon she was making the design and selling it on Etsy. It was then that McNaughton realized she had discovered her true passion, and she quit her 9-to-5 job as a fashion buyer to design jewelry full time.
Her designs are inspired by New York City architecture, African culture, indigenous tribal adornment, and nature.
McNaughton is also a member of the BIJC board of directors, serving as the organization’s treasurer.
Marvin Linares, Marvin Douglas Jewelry
Instagram: @_marvinxdouglas
Linares’ grandmother “stumbled across” the industry in the 1980s, introducing her grandson to the trade and using her work to bring Linares’ family from El Salvador to the United States.
Jewelry, he said, is the reason he was born in the U.S. He was raised in Palmdale, California, a small desert city in the Antelope Valley.
Linares gained experience in the industry working in sales for Tiffany & Co. and as a jewelry specialist for Dover Street Market in Los Angeles, but mainly persevered through his own persistence, curiosity, and creative nature.
His brand, Marvin Douglas Jewelry, is an extension of himself, an embodiment of culture and creativity that explores Latin heritage and experience through fine jewelry, with designs intended to combine a youthful spirit with traditional craftsmanship.
Linares’ designs have appeared in Vogue Mexico, Playboy, at the Super Bowl halftime show and on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards, among many others.
These six designers received $20,000 in credit each, meaning there is still $880,000 in diamond financing available.
The selection committee will continue to evaluate applications until the $1 million runs out. The NDC said it has additional applications in hand and expects to announce the second round of designers in July.
It also is seeking additional applications.
Anyone interested can learn more about these first six designers and apply on the NDC’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
