CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
Policies & IssuesApr 06, 2021
Diamonds Do Good Introduces Diversity Scholarship
The program will award up to five individuals with a scholarship for GIA’s Graduate Diamonds Program.
New York—Diamonds Do Good has teamed up with the Gemological Institute of America to establish a diversity scholarship program.
In an effort to boost diversity in the U.S. diamond and jewelry industry, Diamonds Do Good will award up to five individuals with a scholarship for GIA’s Graduate Diamonds Program via distance education.
The scholarships are for students from the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the United States, said Diamonds Do Good president Rebecca Foerster, and will be a step toward “encouraging more diverse and inclusive talent throughout the diamond and jewelry industry.”
Graduates of the Diamonds Do Good Diversity Scholarship program will also receive mentoring advice from members of its board of directors, who work in mining, manufacturing, design, and retail, covering every aspect of the diamond pipeline.
The scholarships were funded through a grant from GIA’s Endowment Fund.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., a civil rights activist and one of DDG’s founders, announced the program at the end of its virtual discussion entitled “Bridging Barriers: How to Nurture Diversity in Your Business and Enhance Sales.”
“Encouraging a more diverse, inclusive and representative industry is not just a goal, it is an imperative for the future and sustainability of so many people who derive their livelihoods along the global natural diamond pipeline,” Chavis said.
“GIA believes that opportunity begins with education and access to opportunities, which are often a barrier for underserved communities,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques in a press release about the scholarships.
“GIA is working to break down these walls by dedicating resources to opening doors throughout the gem and jewelry industry through scholarships like these.”
Applications are available on the Diamonds Do Good website.
In an effort to boost diversity in the U.S. diamond and jewelry industry, Diamonds Do Good will award up to five individuals with a scholarship for GIA’s Graduate Diamonds Program via distance education.
The scholarships are for students from the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the United States, said Diamonds Do Good president Rebecca Foerster, and will be a step toward “encouraging more diverse and inclusive talent throughout the diamond and jewelry industry.”
Graduates of the Diamonds Do Good Diversity Scholarship program will also receive mentoring advice from members of its board of directors, who work in mining, manufacturing, design, and retail, covering every aspect of the diamond pipeline.
The scholarships were funded through a grant from GIA’s Endowment Fund.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., a civil rights activist and one of DDG’s founders, announced the program at the end of its virtual discussion entitled “Bridging Barriers: How to Nurture Diversity in Your Business and Enhance Sales.”
“Encouraging a more diverse, inclusive and representative industry is not just a goal, it is an imperative for the future and sustainability of so many people who derive their livelihoods along the global natural diamond pipeline,” Chavis said.
“GIA believes that opportunity begins with education and access to opportunities, which are often a barrier for underserved communities,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques in a press release about the scholarships.
“GIA is working to break down these walls by dedicating resources to opening doors throughout the gem and jewelry industry through scholarships like these.”
Applications are available on the Diamonds Do Good website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
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.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
