SurveysJan 14, 2021
In Results of Diversity Survey, a Tale of Two Experiences Events & AwardsJan 26, 2021
Lorraine Schwartz, NDC To Offer $1M in Diamond Credit to BIPOC Designers
A total of 50 brands will benefit from the program that aims to provide jewelry designers entry to the fine jewelry world through diamond financing.
Illustration by Alelli, @alelli
New York—After last year’s protests over police brutality against Black people forced Americans to confront systemic racism head-on, many in the jewelry industry wondered what role race plays in limiting opportunities for Black designers and professionals.
Upon reflection, the Natural Diamond Council and designer Lorraine Schwartz have come up with a program they hope will provide equity for minority jewelry designers.
Upon reflection, the Natural Diamond Council and designer Lorraine Schwartz have come up with a program they hope will provide equity for minority jewelry designers.
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative offers $1 million of diamond credit to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) designers.
In an exclusive statement to National Jeweler, Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie explained why obtaining credit will help lower the barrier to entry in the jewelry world.
“Offering eligible designers the access to build relationships with diamantaires directly will help actualize longevity for their business and the whole of the diamond industry,” he said.
“We're committed to the advancement of equity in our industry. Not only is inclusion the right path to forge from a human standpoint, but also for business. More diverse perspectives open the doors to expanded innovation and deeper creativity, which is the driving force of our industry.”
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative will allow BIPOC jewelry designers to establish credit in their own names and learn the process of diamond financing, as well as consignment and memo terms.
Designers also will establish relationships with diamond dealers, which is difficult to do without references or a history in the industry.
Schwartz, a third-generation jewelry maker known for her array of one-of-a-kind high jewelry seen on famous faces at the world’s buzziest red carpets like the Oscars and Golden Globes, explained her motivation for spearheading the initiative with NDC in a press release.
“It is past time for our industry to be more supportive and share the magic of diamonds with a larger, more diverse group of jewelers,” she said.
“Helping BIPOC designers, and more specifically the underrepresented Black designer community, gain entry to diamond vendors and credit financing as well as expand their businesses is a necessary step in the process towards a more equitable industry.
“This program is another opportunity for me to give back to those communities that have embraced me and have been a wonderful part of my journey as a designer over the last 20 years.”
The program will offer $20,000 of credit to selected jewelry designers, as well as mentorship. It will also act as a guarantor with diamond suppliers.
With $1 million on offer, that means 50 BIPOC-owned and -led brands have an opportunity to participate.
In addition to Schwartz and NDC CEO Kellie, the selection committee will feature Vanity Fair Fashion Director Nicole Chapoteau, and celebrity stylist and designer Jason Rembert.
Celebrity friends of Schwartz like Pharrell, Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles will act as honorary advisors, lending their insights during various phases of the initiative.
Kellie added, “Creativity and innovation are the forces that drive our industry forward and in order for that to happen, we need more diverse viewpoints. This initiative is designed to support emerging BIPOC designers by giving them access to the diamond jewelry industry, which has traditionally been limited, and fostering their ingenuity and successes. We know that more diversity is needed in our field, and that this will benefit the designers and the industry as a whole.”
Applications are available now at NaturalDiamonds.com/Eddi.
Credit will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with the selection committee continuing to
review designer applications until the $1 million has been fully allocated.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
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.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
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.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
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.
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.
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.
Lab-GrownAug 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.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
