Lily James, the Natural Diamond Council’s global ambassador since September 2022, poses for the new 2023/2024 global campaign.

Shot in New York City by photographer Cass Bird, the shoot comprises four looks styled with a variety of natural diamonds to represent a few of life’s most brilliant moments.

Whether paired with casual streetwear, power tailoring, sophisticated evening wear, or full-blown glamour for a big night out, the campaign celebrates the versatility of natural diamonds. 

David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council, said: “The talent, integrity, and authenticity Lily brings to the table are the perfect attributes to represent natural diamonds.

“It was incredible visiting Botswana for the first time with her last year and now reconnecting in New York to shoot this campaign that will continue to support so many of our retail partners is truly exciting.”

Ahead of her return to London’s West End in Penelope Skinner’s Lyonesse, in which she will star alongside Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily sat down with Only Natural Diamonds to reflect on her busy year, her trip to Botswana with the NDC and, of course, the MET Gala. 

“After visiting Botswana and seeing the positive impact the diamond mining industry has on the surrounding communities and ecosystems, and learning about what goes into sustaining them, it made me want to be even more intentional with the diamond jewelry I wear,” shared James.

“While my own approach to diamond jewelry is continually evolving, I love to go full out on the red carpet but also paring my diamond jewelry down and wearing it with jeans.

“For me, wearing natural diamonds is about celebrating the sentiment behind who gave me the diamonds and the special moment I think of when I wear them.

“It was so special to launch my NDC ambassadorship with the To Treasure Now and Forever campaign in my hometown of London. Now, to have the chance to shoot this new campaign in New York City, my home away from home, is a dream come true.” 

The campaign will be amplified by the NDC’s global retail partners including luxury independent retailers such as Razny, Hamilton Jewelers and London Jewelers in the US, Malabar in the UAE, and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group in China.