Six Designers Begin the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative

The Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz are pleased to announce the first six designers participating in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative. The designers include Constance Polamalu of Birthright Foundry, Dorian Webb of Dorian Webb, Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY, Lisette Scott of Jam+Rico, Malyia McNaughton of Made by Malyia, Marvin Linares of Marvin Douglas Jewelry.

Each will participate in the year-long program and receive a $20,000 diamond financing credit, diamond education, mentorship, access to resources such as production, marketing, finance, legal, HR and supply chain, retail and sales support, promoted content on NDC’s channels, PR and social media opportunities and more.

The designers will create a collection with natural diamonds, using an array of colors, cuts and sizes celebrating the uniqueness of diamonds. The program will provide opportunities, remove barriers to entry and offer unparalleled access to industry education and resources.

The program will provide opportunities, remove barriers to entry and offer unparalleled access to industry education & resources.

A committee including Lorraine Schwartz, stylist and designer, Jason Rembert, fashion director of Vanity Fair, Nicole Chapoteau and NDC CEO, David Kellie reviewed all applications and selected the designers.

The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative will continue to accept applications, with plans to introduce the next selection of designers in July 2021. Applicants must be U.S. based and in business for at least one year (designers do not have to work with diamonds at present). Additional details and the application can be found at naturaldiamonds.com/eddiapplication.