Meet Kendra Lindell, Diamond Buyer

When Kendra Lindell recalls her earliest memories of gems and minerals, she pictures herself as a child, strapped to the top of a frame pack while her parents trekked through Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains in search of smoky quartz and aquamarine. This early exposure to mineral collecting, courtesy of her field mineral collector father, would plant the seeds for what would become a distinguished career in natural diamonds.

A Natural Foundation

"I always had an interest in the industry, maybe not so much in luxury jewelry, but definitely in the gems and mineralogy world," Kendra reflects. Her childhood was marked by visits to gem and jewelry shows, including her first trip to the renowned Tucson show at age six. This early fascination with earth's natural treasures led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in geology, laying the groundwork for her future career.

The path to becoming a diamond buyer at Ben Bridge wasn't direct, but each step along the way contributed to Kendra's unique expertise. After college, she joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a diamond grader in 2013. "Prior to that, I didn't have any diamond experience, but I had the science background," she explains. Her technical abilities and dedication quickly led to promotions and international opportunities.

Global Expertise

Lindell's time with GIA took her around the world, including extended stays in Botswana, India, and Antwerp. These experiences provided invaluable insights into the diamond industry from multiple perspectives, from grading to cutting facilities. "I spent four months living in Botswana," she recalls, "and I got to tour diamond cutting facilities, which was incredible."

The Call of Home

In 2019, feeling homesick for the Pacific Northwest, Lindell joined Ben Bridge Jeweler, starting in quality assurance and appraisals before becoming a distribution supervisor. Her extensive background in diamond grading and natural appreciation for gems made her the perfect candidate when the diamond buyer position opened up.

Education and Innovation

One of Lindell's most significant contributions to Ben Bridge has been her commitment to furthering gemological education within the company. Drawing from her GIA background, she's been instrumental in promoting continuing education programs and free knowledge resources to associates. Her passion and commitment for furthering gemological education has been a consistent driving force in her work.

A Unique Perspective on Natural Diamonds

As a diamond buyer, Lindell brings a distinctive viewpoint shaped by her scientific background and years of hands-on experience. "Because of all my diamond grading expertise, I have really learned to look at and appreciate every single diamond individually," she explains. "With a round brilliant, one SI1 G is not the same as another SI1 G - every single diamond is unique and different."

This appreciation for individuality extends to her preference for natural versus lab-grown diamonds. "Diamonds take millions of years to form, and that's what makes them special and rare," Lindell emphasizes. She likens the inclusions in natural diamonds to birthmarks, making each stone unique, just like people.

The Ben Bridge Difference

What sets Ben Bridge apart from other jewelry retailers? According to Kendra, it's the meticulous attention to detail in every purchase. "The care and attention to detail that goes into every single purchase... each buyer isn't just sending out a broad net to pull in whatever generic jewelry is available," she explains. Every piece is carefully examined to meet Ben Bridge's notably high-quality control standards, which are among the industry's most rigorous.

Leadership and Mentorship

Throughout her career, Lindell has remained committed to supporting other women in the industry. Whether it's mentoring quality control staff, participating in industry committees, or simply offering guidance to newcomers at trade shows, she believes in keeping communication lines open and providing support to others as they navigate their careers in the jewelry industry.

A Personal Touch

When asked about her signature piece of jewelry, Lindell shares the story of her engagement ring - a Montana sapphire set east-west in a wide platinum band. The piece represents not just her personal style but the collaborative spirit at Ben Bridge, as it was sourced by fellow female buyers and created by the company's design team.

Emerging Trends and Future Opportunities

Looking ahead, Kendra forecasts  several exciting developments in the luxury jewelry industry. Self-purchasing by women is a growing trend she's particularly enthusiastic about. "I bought my Cartier watch when I became a diamond buyer," she shares, exemplifying the increasing number of women who aren't waiting for someone else to buy them fine jewelry.

She also notes interesting shifts in the natural diamond market, including a renewed appreciation for characteristics like fluorescents and lower color grades, which offer unique beauty at more accessible price points. "Low-color diamonds are so gorgeous," she explains. "A lot of people like that little bit of warmth in their stone."

The Future of Women in Luxury

As the luxury jewelry industry continues to evolve, Kendra sees increasing opportunities for women to make their mark. The rise of self-purchasing, combined with growing female leadership in the industry, is creating a more inclusive and diverse future for luxury jewelry. At Ben Bridge, where strong female leadership is already well-established, this trend is particularly evident.

From those early days collecting minerals in the Sawtooth Mountains to her current role as a diamond buyer, Kendra's journey exemplifies how passion, expertise, and dedication can shape a remarkable career in luxury jewelry. Her story also highlights the changing face of the industry, where technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for natural beauty combine to create something truly special.