Diamond Discoveries with the Natural Diamond Council

24 Oct 2023

On Thursday, 19th October, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) hosted an educational event for consumer press – bridal journalists in particular. The aim was for guests to discover the latest trends from bridal jewellery designers, to understand consumer insights on diamond desirability among millennials and Gen Z and to learn the facts that consumers should be aware of before buying a diamond.

Expert diamond valuator at De Beers, Alan Smith, began the series of talks with an explanation of rough diamonds; his audience was able to get an up-close experience as piles of rough diamonds were circulated. He explained how diamonds can get different colours and that flaws/feathering are unique characteristics that some designers will elevate.

Dr Nick Davies, a senior scientist at De Beers, followed by looking at synthetic diamonds and their detection; he emphasised the vital role that the many different detection instruments play within the jewellery manufacturing and retail industry. Raluca Anghel, head of external affairs and industry relations at the NDC, guided the journalists through terminology and greenwashing legislation, reminding them that “words matter” and pointing them towards the NAJ’s Diamond Terminology Guidelines.

Giving a historical perspective on bridal jewellery was Sarah Duncan, fine jewellery director at pre-owned specialist Luxury Promise, whose West End showroom provided the venue for the event. She began by describing early Roman ‘engagement’ rings depicting hand-holding iconography and finished with the iconic and revolutionary Tiffany setting.

After jewellery consultant Beanie Major’s talk about current and future market trends, the guests had a chance to mingle with the 10 jewellery designers whose work could be tried on and was on display in the room. The designers were Bear Brooksbank, Dina Kamal, DYNE, Emma Franklin, Fernando Jorge, Hattie Rickards, Jessica McCormack, Jessie Thomas, Rachel Boston and William Welstead.

Among the invited journalists were representatives from British Vogue, Tatler, Country Life, Business Insider, Intelligent Magazine and Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine.

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Source: The Jeweller