She is remembered by loved ones as a “guiding force” behind the store and an active presence in her community.
NCDIA Appoints Barbara Wheat as Executive VP
The industry veteran will place an emphasis on training, education and the benefits of jewelers carrying natural color diamonds.
New York--Barbara Wheat has been named executive vice president of the Natural Color Diamond Association, the nonprofit founded in 2003 that aims to education and promote awareness about natural color diamonds.
An accredited gemologist, Wheat has nearly 25 years of experience in the international diamond, gem and jewelry industry, serving as executive director of the International Colored Gemstone Association and as adviser on international relations for the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.
As executive vice president of the NCDIA, Wheat said she will place emphasis on training, education and the benefits of jewelers carrying natural color diamonds, as well as provide information on the gems. To that end, she already has begun developing new point-of-sale brochures retailers can use to educate consumers.
“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,” NCDIA President Jordan Fine said. “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 addition, the association has organized membership and prospective member “meet-and-greet” sessions at the NCDIA office at 22 Rockefeller Plaza for Jan. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and for Jan. 14 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Those interested in attending can contact Wheat at bwheat@ncdia.com.
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