Credentials and Media
Credentials and Media
A complete record of the education, training, professional experience, and media recognition behind UGA Labs.
Gemological Education
Erica Diggs is a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) of the Gemological Institute of America. The Graduate Gemologist diploma covers diamond grading, colored stone identification, treatments, laboratory-grown materials, simulants, and gemological instrumentation.
Jewelry Design and Technology
Erica completed the GIA Jewelry Design & Technology diploma: formal training in jewelry design, three-dimensional computer-aided design, digital rendering, jewelry engineering, manufacturing considerations, Rhino, ZBrush, and prototype development.
Business and Marketing Education
Erica Diggs earned degrees in marketing from Berkeley College. Her business education complements her knowledge of gemology, jewelry design, manufacturing, and appraisal.
Bench and Stone-Setting Experience
Certified Bench Jeweler. Her bench work includes fine-jewelry fabrication, repair, finishing, and diamond setting, including pavé and micro-pavé, prong, bezel, and channel work.
Jewelry Industry Experience
- • Working in the jewelry industry since 2011
- • Experience serving private and high-profile clients
- • Experience with custom fine jewelry, diamond jewelry, grillz, watches, and statement pieces
- • Practical knowledge of jewelry design, fabrication, setting, repair, manufacturing, and quality control
Professional capabilities developed through training and practice: Jewelry designer, Bench jeweler, 3D jewelry CAD designer, Diamond setter, Pavé and micro-pavé setter, Fine-jewelry fabricator, Custom jewelry specialist, Diamond and colored gemstone evaluation, Jewelry construction and manufacturing analysis.
Military Service
Erica served in the United States Air Force as a military medic and deployed to Iraq. She is a disabled combat veteran, and UGA Labs is veteran owned and operated.
Media Recognition
Erica Diggs' career, jewelry work, military background, and influence within contemporary jewelry culture have received national and international media recognition.
- EBONY
- Featured in the 2015 profile “Guns, Guts and Grills: Meet Bling Queen Erica Diggs.”
- W Magazine
- Featured in a 2021 visual profile photographed by Mayan Toledano in partnership with Google Creator Labs.
- UPROXX
- Interviewed for a feature examining the influence of Black women within the modern grillz industry.
- The Sporting News
- Profiled in 2026 for her career serving professional athletes and entertainment clients.
- TASCHEN
- Erica Diggs and Diggs & Co. are included in “ICE COLD: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History.”
Continuing Professional Development
Erica continues to study gemological materials, treatments, laboratory-grown production, manufacturing methods, and market research practices as the trade changes. Additional coursework and designations will be listed here as they are completed.
Credential Disclosures
- • Formal diplomas and certifications are listed separately from professional capabilities developed through training and practice.
- • Copies of diplomas and certificates are available upon request.
- • Every appraisal is developed for its stated purpose using appropriate research, professional judgment, and clearly defined assignment conditions. Any relevant prior business relationship or financial interest will be disclosed when required.
- • GIA Graduate Gemologist
- • GIA Jewelry Design & Technology
- • Certified Bench Jeweler
- • Marketing degrees, Berkeley College
- • Disabled United States Air Force combat veteran