BARBARA WHEAT

Ms. Wheat’s career spans nearly 25 years in the international diamond, gem and jewelry industry. She served as executive director of the International Colored Gemstone Association, and as adviser on international relations for the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association. She has a Master of Science degree from Columbia University in Sustainability Management and is an Accredited Gemologist (AIGS).

“Natural color diamonds offer something incredibly unique to consumers who are looking to complement their jewelry wardrobes, which inspires me to work with suppliers and retailers on expanding markets in the United States and worldwide,” said Ms. Wheat.

NCDIA president Jordan Fine said, “Barbara is the ideal choice for NCDIA because she is well known around the world by trade associations, government entities, miners, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. As NCDIA grows, she is able to assist at all levels of the supply chain, from mine to market. She is also uniquely qualified to address sustainability issues and corporate social responsibility for the organization.”

In her role as executive vice president, Ms. Wheat indicated that she plans to place emphasis on training and education, as well as the benefits for jewelers to carry natural color diamonds. She will be instrumental in providing information on these mysterious gems garnered from collectors, industry professionals and gemologists, and has already begun developing new point-of-sale brochures that explain the wonders of natural color diamonds to consumers.

Ms. Wheat has already begun meeting with the NCDIA Board and members of the jewelry community. The association has organized membership and prospective member “meet and greet” sessions at the NCDIA office at 22 Rockefeller Plaza on these dates and times:

Tuesday, January 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 14, 9:30- 11:00 a.m.
The Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA)’s mission is to educate and promote global awareness and desire for natural color diamonds. Founded in 2003, NCDIA is a non-profit, membership-based organization that includes some of the world's most renowned rough diamond producers, diamond and jewelry manufacturers, designers and retailers.