In a groundbreaking partnership, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) have joined forces to introduce a comprehensive jewelry education program tailored for high school students.
Scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024 at Baldwin High School in Baldwin, New York, the pilot program aims to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world. Students participating in the initiative will engage in various activities, including professional shadow days, internships, and competitions, offering them a firsthand experience of different sectors within the jewelry industry. The overarching goal is to equip students with insights into each facet of the industry, ensuring their success as future professionals.
Kristina Buckley Kayel, Managing Director of NDC, emphasized the program’s significance as a catalyst toward achieving a more equitable future for the diamond jewelry industry. She stated, “Our ambition is that this program serves as a pilot to be rolled out to high schools across the country.”
To support this transformative initiative, the organizations announced a temporary pause in funding for the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) for the year 2024. EDDI, a collaboration with renowned high jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, has been instrumental in providing extensive support and mentorship to 18 Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) designers, facilitating their entry into the jewelry trade.
The newly unveiled high school program seeks to nurture students’ passion for the jewelry industry by introducing them to both modern and ancient manufacturing techniques, as highlighted by Annie Doresca, BIJC Board President. “Introducing such programs to high school students is a positive direction towards enhancing diversity within the industry and making a meaningful impact,” she expressed.
The collaboration between NDC and BIJC signifies a significant step forward in creating opportunities for a more inclusive and knowledgeable future generation within the dynamic landscape of the jewelry industry.
