Diamonds Do Good Introduces Diversity Scholarship

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.