William Goldberg Launches First-Ever Diamond Cutting Apprenticeship with FIT
In a collaboration with FIT, renowned diamond house William Goldberg introduces a rare opportunity for students to learn the disappearing art of diamond cutting from a legendary master craftsman.
In an age where traditional craftsmanship is increasingly rare, William Goldberg Diamonds, the iconic New York-based jewelry house renowned for masterful diamond cutting, is stepping up to preserve the art of diamond cutting with an unprecedented new apprenticeship. Partnering with the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), this groundbreaking program will open doors for aspiring young people to master the skill of diamond cutting, a profession on the brink of extinction in the United States.
Meet the Expert
- Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
- He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
- He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.
William Goldberg’s Legacy
Eve Goldberg, Creative Director and Partner at William Goldberg, says, “The Goldberg Family considers it essential to encourage the next generation of diamond cutters by extending our expertise. We also hope to pass on our undying commitment to natural diamonds. The future of the industry depends on it, and the partnership with FIT is the ideal way to accomplish this.”
William Goldberg, whose name is synonymous with exceptional diamonds, believed passionately in the transformative power of expert cutting, famously declaring, “The Magic is in the Make.” His vision saw diamond cutting not merely as a skill, but as an elevated art form, capable of unveiling the intrinsic beauty of each rough stone. Today, his legacy is honored through a new generation with the launch of FIT’s diamond cutting apprenticeship, offering a rare and immersive experience under the guidance of one of the world’s most seasoned and skilled diamond cutters, Willie Lopez.
About the Program
Lopez, a master cutter with an illustrious career spanning over five decades at William Goldberg, will personally mentor FIT Jewelry Design students through this immersive apprenticeship. Students participating in the 3- to 4-week program will spend four full days per week at the William Goldberg workshop, one of the few remaining diamond-cutting facilities in New York City. This unique educational journey allows students to experience firsthand the transformative journey from rough diamond to polished masterpiece. Remarkably, after their apprenticeship, each student will keep a diamond they have personally cut—a meaningful memento of their accomplishment.
“Since the founding of the Jewelry Design Program at FIT in 1974, this apprenticeship will be the first of its kind, facilitating a direct relationship between the NY diamond cutting community and our students. This remarkable opportunity will introduce our students to a very important and extremely difficult field to enter,” said Kim Nelson, assistant chair of Jewelry Design at FIT. “It is a welcome step towards reaffirming and preserving New York City’s place as one of the world’s premier diamond cutting centers.”
A Timely & Necessary Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship program is timely and vital. The stark reality is that most diamond cutters in the U.S. today are nearing retirement, with few younger apprentices stepping in to fill the void. For many young people, diamond cutting is an invisible career path—an obscure niche not often considered in today’s rapidly changing professional landscape. This apprenticeship, therefore, not only imparts critical skills but also provides invaluable visibility, igniting interest and passion for a craft essential to the diamond industry’s future.
William Goldberg Diamonds, widely revered for crafting some of the world’s most exquisite gems, is no stranger to mentorship. Historically offering apprenticeships on a case-by-case basis, the company notably welcomed an apprentice earlier this year from Japan’s celebrated jeweler, Wako, reflecting Goldberg’s international esteem and ongoing commitment to knowledge sharing and education.
FIT Jewelry Design: The Next Generation of Jewelers
Initially, this exclusive apprenticeship will accommodate one FIT student at a time, allowing for concentrated, one-on-one training. However, William Goldberg Diamonds has plans to expand the program to more students and offer it biannually, depending on student schedules and interest. Also, apprentices who complete this unique program may find themselves well-positioned for future employment, with possible opportunities to join the William Goldberg team.
Applications for the apprenticeship are coordinated through FIT, targeting students enrolled in the Jewelry Design Department. This pioneering initiative is an important step in shaping the future of diamond cutting in America, preserving and evolving a legacy that might otherwise fade into history.
For the next generation of diamond enthusiasts and aspiring jewelers, this apprenticeship is more than just training—it’s an entry point into a remarkable career defined by creativity, precision, and a passion for the craft. William Goldberg’s new diamond cutting apprenticeship at FIT is a shining example of how preserving traditional arts can illuminate the path toward a vibrant and dynamic future.
