Meet The First Six Designers Participating In Our 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. Each EDDI designer 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 as they create diamond jewelry collections. Scroll down to meet them!
Watch this video featuring Lorraine Schwartz as she shows off different natural diamond varieties available through the initiative.
How You Can Apply
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.
KHIRY
Jameel Mohammed
Jameel Mohammed began a career in design at age 16, interning for Nicole Miller, and Narciso Rodriguez. When a necklace he designed caught the eye of the COO and Fashion Director of Barneys New York in 2014, he decided to focus on jewelry design. In 2016 he founded KHIRY, an Afrofuturist Luxury Brand of polished and sculptural demi-fine jewelry.
Made by Malyia
Malyia McNaughton
Made by Malyia is a jewelry and lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by Malyia McNaughton, a self-taught designer based in Brooklyn, NY. Made By Malyia began with a search for the perfect body chain for an upcoming music festival and requests for the chain she created herself. Malyia’s inspiration comes from New York City, African culture, indigenous tribal adornment, and nature.
Jam+Rico
Lisette Scott
With immigrant grandparents from the islands of Jamaica and Puerto Rico, Lisette Scott was always curious about their upbringing and traditions that were formed from their homeland. The colors, carnivals, art, beaches and language all inspired Lisette and she created Jam+Rico (Jamaica and Puerto Rico) to dive deeper into her love of designing and the Caribbean.
Dorian Webb
Dorian Webb
Dorian Webb founded her eponymous company while studying architecture at Yale University. Inspired by the artistry of Venetian glassblowing, she designed a collection of handcrafted jewelry using Murano glass and semiprecious gems. Dorian’s first retailer was Neiman Marcus and her work has garnered numerous accolades including the The NY International Gift Fair Artisan’s Award, the Madam CJ Walker Entrepreneur Award and as a finalist in the 2021 THENEXTNOW competition for emerging jewelry designers.
Marvin Douglas Jewelry
Marvin Linares
Marvin Linares was introduced to jewelry by his grandmother who stumbled across the industry in the 80’s, and through the business was able to bring his family to the United States from El Salvador. Marvin gained specific training by working in sales for Tiffany & Co. and as a Jewelry Specialist for Dover Street Market Los Angeles but most experience has been gained through his persistence to learn backed by his curiosity and creative nature. His collection’s intention is simple – to explore Latin heritage and experience through fine jewelry, with designs intended to combine a youthful spirit with traditional craftsmanship.
Birthright Foundry
Constance Polamalu
Founder/CEO of Birthright Foundry, Constance Polamalu is an American Samoan woman and first-generation jewelry designer based in Annapolis, Maryland. As a new mother ignited by the turmoil of 2020, she founded a jewelry brand dedicated to preserving and resurrecting culturally significant stories. She also serves as Zachary’s Jewelers’ Chief Operating Officer.
