Lorraine Schwartz & Natural Diamond Council Help BIPOC Designers Navigate Diamond Industry
Celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz is famous for her diamonds. Her hefty, custom engagement rings are beloved among celebrities and have become signifiers of famous romances, like Kim Kardashian’s 15-carat cushion cut rock given to her by Kanye West, Beyoncé’s $5 million emerald cut beauty from Jay Z, and Blake Lively’s special pink oval diamond from Ryan Reynolds. Now, she’s sharing her passion for fine jewelry with a new generation of jewelry designers through the Emerging Designer Diamond Initiative, created in partnership with the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
The initiative, which launches later this month, supports those who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color seeking to make a name for themselves in fine jewelry, with $1 million of diamond credit dedicated to the talent. The program seeks to serve as many BIPOC designers as possible, with multiple designers receiving up to $20,000 credit until the million dollars runs out. In addition to financial guidance, the designers will receive mentorship from Schwartz, guarantorship from the NDC with diamond suppliers, education on supply chain and production, assistance with marketing and pricing strategy, and access to the NDC and Schwartz’s partners. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and are now being accepted.
Beyond the expected challenges of starting a new business or keeping an independent brand afloat, there’s an added gatekeeping in the diamond industry that makes it difficult for ups-and-coming designers to purchase the gems. The Emerging Designer Diamond Initiative will guide designers through the obstacles and help them establish credit in their own names.
“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,” Schwartz 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.”
Along with Schwartz and NDC CEO David Kellie, the initiative’s selection committee comprises Fashion Director of Vanity Fair Nicole Chapoteau and Celebrity Stylist and Disgner Jason Rembert. Influential figures including Pharrell, Kelly Roland, and Tina Knows will also provide expert guidance at different stages of the program.
The accepted designers are encouraged by the NDC to use a variety of diamonds in their work, with differences in size and color, so you can expect to see many unique creations on the horizon.
