Category Archives: JEWELLERY BRANDS
NYC – This Thursday (June 20th) DEF Debuts "Empowerment Jewelry" At Donna Distefano Atelier
DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND DESIGN AMBASSADORS
LAUNCH NEW YORK DEBUT OF EMPOWERMENT JEWELRY
AT DONNA DISTEFANO ATELIER
Continuing the momentum generated by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) at JCK last month, DEF is showcasing its new line of Empowerment Jewelry alongside each product’s Designer Ambassador. The New York City debut will take place on June 20th from 5:00-8:00PM at 37 West 20th Street, suite 1106. Donna Distefano from Donna Distefano Ltd, Lita Asscher from Royal Asscher and Derrick Holmes from Banneker Watches will be present to share their connection to DEF as designer ambassadors, showcase the new jewelry and watches created as ongoing fundraisers for DEF, and share their vision for how they can further DEF’s mission.
Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries in Africa. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, noted civil rights and business leader and fellow co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director will be at the New York debut to discuss the global impact of DEF’s vision.
Donna Distefano will present her new line of “Illumination” bracelets depicting symbolic African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Collaborating with Russell Simmons for the benefit of D.E.F. is a natural fit for Distefano’s business. Says Simmons, “I share these designers’ vision of transformation. It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision.”
Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher will present the DEF Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. This stunning and unique pendant contains green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to the Diamond Empowerment Fund.
Derrick Holmes of Banneker, Inc. will present three new Benjamin Banneker watches designed to raise awareness and funds for DEF. These watches feature a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 O’Clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from Madagascar on the face and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage to our namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. Benjamin Banneker is an American Legend and these watches are designed to help educate about his numerous amazing achievements.
About Diamond Empowerment Fund
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global, non-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in diamond-producing African nations. With the help of our international partners, we strive to empower the next generation of African leaders.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.
Get Your Gemology ON!!!! Applications Now Available For GIA Scholarships
Applications Now Available For GIA Scholarships
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will begin accepting scholarship applications online beginning Saturday, June 15 for its 2014 Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses, and lab classes. Applications will be available through Oct. 31 on the Institute’s website.
Scholarships are available for distance education eLearning courses and for classes at the Institute’s campuses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan; and at the GIA branch in Dubai. Additional scholarship details are available here.
A number of awards for international eLearning courses (up to $1,500) and awards for U.S.-based lab classes (up to $1,300) are available. The scholarships, sponsored by private donors and the GIA endowment fund, supplement GIA’s wider scope of offerings. U.S. scholarship highlights include:
- The GIA Scholarship for U.S. Veterans will award three scholarships of up to $1,500 each
- GIA will award two full scholarships* of up to $17,850 each for the new on-campus Jewelry Design & Technology program
- GIA will award two full scholarships* of up to $21,089 each for the on-campus Graduate Gemologist program
- GIA will award one full scholarship* of up to $19,260 for the new on-campus Graduate Jeweler program
- Two scholarships will be offered in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat, former GIA president considered the “Father of Modern Gemology.” One full scholarship for the on-campus Graduate Gemologist program (up to$21,089), and another toward the eLearning Graduate Gemologist program (up to $9,000)
*Full scholarships cover the cost of tuition, books and other materials.
#JWLV – PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED #JCK2013
JCK 2013 PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Who: Platinum Guild International USA
What: PGI-USA announces the winners of the 4th annual JCK 2013 Platinum Innovation Awards. Winners were chosen in 7 different design categories. An “Editor’s Choice” and “Buyer’s Choice” were chosen in each design category, as well as “Best in Show” Award which was selected as a culmination of all votes.
Platinum Engagement Ring
Editor’s Choice: Gabriel & Co. platinum Victorian Halo Engagement Ring $2055
Buyer’s Choice: Designs by Vatche platinum and diamond engagement ring $3200
Entry Platinum Engagement Ring (semi-mounts under $2500 retail)
Editor’s Choice: Mercury Ring “Halo Twist” platinum -diamond engagement ring $2500
Buyer’s Choice: Sylvie Collection platinum -diamond floral halo engagement ring $2170
Platinum Wedding Band
Editor’s Choice: Parade Designs platinum milligrain-etched art deco inspired wedding band with marquise-shaped diamonds $$5225
Buyer’s Choice: Dora International Spartan Collection platinum men’s band with laser-edge designs $3289
Platinum Men’s Jewelry
Editor’s Choice:Tacori platinum men’s band with milligrain details $2540
Buyer’s Choice: Novell platinum cufflinks $3144
Entry Platinum Fashion Jewelry (under $3500 retail)
Editor’s Choice:Erik Stewart platinum and colored diamond Hollein earrings $3500
Buyer’s Choice: Harout R. platinum and diamond “cupcake” earrings $1859
Platinum Red Carpet Jewelry
Editor’s Choice: Uni-Design Jewellry “Dew Drops” platinum and diamond ring
Buyer’s Choice: Lazare Kaplan “110th Anniversary” platinum and diamond necklace $883,120
Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry
Editor’s Choice: Simon G platinum earring with round white diamonds and emerald cut green tourmaline
Buyer’s Choice: Oscar Heyman platinum, colored diamond and unheated colored sapphire necklace $300,000
Best in Show - Went To Sylvie Collection
Where: Winners were awarded at their booths by the PGI-USA “Prize Patrol” team which was broadcasted by JCK TV.
US/ International Diamond Week in Israel To Host Buyers From Russian Federation
Moscow Bourse will bring buyers from Russian Federation
and CIS countries to US/ International Diamond Week in Israel
Yair Sahar, President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) and Alex Popov, President of Moscow Diamond Bourse (MDB), have agreed that MDB will organize a delegation of diamond buyers from Russia and CIS countries to take part in the August 26-29 US & International Diamond Week. The two exchange leaders resolved to work closely together toward this goal during their talks held during the recent CIBJO Congress in Tel Aviv.
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| From left: Alex Popov; Zvi Amram, vice president of the Borsa D’Italia; and Yair Sahar at the annual congress of CIBJO – the World Jewellery Confederation, held earlier this month in Tel Aviv. |
“Last March, a small delegation of MDB members participated in US & International Diamond Week (IDWI) at the Israel Diamond Exchange, and the participating buyers returned home with very positive reports,” Popov said.
IDE President Sahar said he looked forward to welcoming a buyers’ group headed by Popov. “The MDB president is extremely well introduced in the market of the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and I am sure that he will bring a top quality delegation here,” Sahar said. “From our end, we will make every effort to make this trip a worthwhile experience for these buyers,” he noted.
“The luxury market in Russia and the Russian Federation has great potential, especially because economic growth is now spreading beyond the largest cities in this huge geographical region. This means that there is a steady increase in the public’s purchasing power, also for luxury goods, including diamond jewelry,” Popov noted. “It is often forgotten that historically, Russia has a strong and deeply rooted appetite for jewelry. While in the large cities, the Western luxury brands have been doing very well, there is also a noted return to Russian-made designer jewelry. In other words, there is a lot of potential that can be turned into sales,” the MDB president concluded.
Pearls of the World in Focus By GIA In Singapore
Pearls of the World in Focus
GIA at the Singapore International Jewelry Expo, July 4-7
| Image © GIA |
Pearls and their beauty have captivated people worldwide since ancient times and have been a research focus at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for more than 80 years. As part of the Institute’s mission to bring industry-leading gemological information to the public, Nicholas Sturman, GIA supervisor of Pearl Identification in Thailand, will give two presentations on pearls July 4 and 5 during the Singapore International Jewelry Expo. Representatives from GIA in Thailand will greet attendees at its booth A07, July 4-6from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on July 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pearls: Are They or Aren’t They?
Thursday, July 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Over time, the industry has developed various types of cultured pearls and pearl imitations to compete with their natural counterparts and to meet market demand. Sturman’s presentation will focus on the daily challenges pearl testers in labs like GIA must address before issuing gemological reports, which separate natural nacreous and non-nacreous pearls from cultured examples, and pearls from pearl-looking materials.
Saltwater Cultured Pearl Farms of Vietnam, Philippines
and Northern Australia
Friday, July 5, 1-3 p.m.
Techniques used to culture bead-nucleated pearls in saltwater environments are similar around the world, however, there is a degree of variation in the methods different operators use. This presentation will discuss the history, operations, procedures applied and mollusks used in Vietnam, the Philippines and Northern Australia in the quest to produce the ultimate nucleated cultured pearl.
With more than 23 years of experience in the detailed examination of pearls, Sturman brings a unique perspective to this topic. He obtained his Fellowship (FGA) and Diamond Membership (DGA) of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and spent more than 16 years studying pearls in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he served as the gemological advisor to the Bahrain Government’s Gem and Pearl Testing Laboratory. He has been with GIA since 2008.
GIA’s pearl presentations, which are free and open to the public, will take place at the Stage Area, Marina Bay Sands Hall A&B, at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.
For more information, visit www.giathai.net/news.php.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.
#JWLV – Thank You from DEF for Pledging To "Do Good" at JCK
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Skinner’s Fine Jewelry Auction – Fun and Eclectic
Fine Jewelry
at Skinner…
Just a few of my favorite things from the Fine Jewelry Auction at Skinner yesterday…
Art Nouveau Opal, Diamond, Enamel Brooch, Marcus & Co.
Auction:2659B
Lot:590
Sold for:$19,000
Art Nouveau Opal, Diamond, and Enamel Brooch, Marcus & Co., centering an opal matrix cabochon within a scrollwork frame, and suspending a conforming drop, set with seventy-six old mine- and old European-cut diamonds, approx. total wt. 4.00 cts., platinum and 18kt gold mount, lg. 3 3/4 in., signed, (restoration, enamel loss).
Estimate $12,000-18,000
Art Nouveau 18kt Rose Gold and Alexandrite Pendant Brooch, Marcus & Co.
Auction:2659B
Lot:586
Sold for:$55,000
Art Nouveau 18kt Rose Gold and Alexandrite Pendant Brooch, Marcus & Co., centering a cushion-cut alexandrite weighing approximately 7.43 cts., within a peacock-style frame with bezel-set old mine-cut diamonds and green enamel accents, suspending a drop, signed.
14kt Gold Gem-set Snake Necklace, Eric de Kolb
Auction:2659B
Lot:552
Sold for:$7,500
14kt Gold Gem-set Snake Necklace, Eric de Kolb, with green hardstone eyes, sapphire melee accents, completed by articulated scale links, 128.9 dwt, lg. 17 1/2 in., signed.
Estimate $6,000-8,000
14kt Gold Gem-set Snake Necklace, Eric de Kolb, with green hardstone eyes, sapphire melee accents, completed by articulated scale links, 128.9 dwt, lg. 17 1/2 in., signed.
Estimate $6,000-8,000
Arts & Crafts Platinum, Moonstone, and Sapphire Pendant, Tiffany & Co.
Auction:2659B
Lot:511
Sold for:$12,000
Arts & Crafts Platinum, Moonstone, and Sapphire Pendant, Tiffany & Co.,set with a cabochon moonstone measuring approx. 30.00 x 20.40 x 12.20 mm, framed with Montana sapphires and scrolling wirework, suspended from a fancy link chain, lg. 2 1/4 and 21 in., signed, (alterations).
Arts & Crafts Platinum, Moonstone, and Sapphire Pendant, Tiffany & Co.,set with a cabochon moonstone measuring approx. 30.00 x 20.40 x 12.20 mm, framed with Montana sapphires and scrolling wirework, suspended from a fancy link chain, lg. 2 1/4 and 21 in., signed, (alterations).
Art Deco Jade, Enamel, and Diamond Pendant Watch, Cartier
Auction:2659B
Lot:525
Sold for:$11,000
Art Deco Jade, Enamel, and Diamond Pendant Watch, Cartier, the circular cream-colored dial with Roman numeral indicators enclosing a European Watch & Clock Co. 18-jewel movement, with black enamel bezel and top, suspended from a black cord with a black enamel and rose-cut diamond slide, joined by a jade ring, no. 13494, 22247, 23 mm, dial and slide signed, (losses).
Estimate $4,000-6,000
Art Deco Jade, Enamel, and Diamond Pendant Watch, Cartier, the circular cream-colored dial with Roman numeral indicators enclosing a European Watch & Clock Co. 18-jewel movement, with black enamel bezel and top, suspended from a black cord with a black enamel and rose-cut diamond slide, joined by a jade ring, no. 13494, 22247, 23 mm, dial and slide signed, (losses).
Estimate $4,000-6,000
Edwardian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Spider Brooch
Auction:2659B
Lot:515
Sold for:$1,900Edwardian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Spider Brooch, the body set with demantoid garnets and old mine-cut diamonds, platinum-topped 14kt gold mount, lg. 1 in., (losses).
Estimate $1,000-1,500
Estimate $1,000-1,500
18kt Gold Cuff, Mario Buccellati
Auction:2659B
Lot:450
Sold for:$4,500
18kt Gold Cuff, Mario Buccellati, designed as a finely textured leaf, interior cir. 6 3/4 in., signed, boxed.
Estimate $3,500-4,500
Fine Carved Emerald and Diamond Pendant
Auction:2659B
Lot:231
Sold for:$20,000
Fine Carved Emerald and Diamond Pendant, India, set with a carved emerald tablet depicting flowers, foliage, and Islamic script, measuring approx. 31.00 x 21.44 mm, framed by rose-cut diamonds, and suspending a carved emerald drop measuring approx. 29.00 x 15.90 mm, flanked by pearls, high-karat gold mount, the reverse pierced and finely enameled, 3 7/8 x 2 in.
Estimate $20,000-30,000
18kt Gold, Hardstone, Ruby, and Diamond Cicada Cuff Links
Auction:2659B
Lot:264
Sold for:$1,500
18kt Gold, Hardstone, Ruby, and Diamond Cicada Cuff Links, each with cabochon ruby eyes and diamond melee collar, lg. 1 in.
Estimate $1,500-2,000
Gold, Tourmaline, and Gem-set Suite
Auction:2659B
Lot:104
Sold for:$1,700
Gold, Tourmaline, and Gem-set Suite, comprising a 22kt gold pendant/brooch bezel-set with a bicolor tourmaline slice, cultured pearl and diamond accents, suspended from a flexible gilt torque; a pair of 14kt gold earstuds, each set with a bicolor tourmaline slice, diamond melee accents; and a 14kt gold ring set with a bicolor tourmaline slice, circular-cut pink tourmaline accent, lg. 1 3/8, 17, and 3/4 in., size 8 1/4.
Estimate $1,200-1,500
18kt Gold, Plique-a-jour Enamel, Gem-set Figural Pendant/Brooch, Masriera
Auction:2659B
Lot:109
Sold for:$2,700
18kt Gold, Plique-a-jour Enamel, and Gem-set Figural Pendant/Brooch, Masriera, designed as a nymph with plique-a-jour enamel wings, sapphire and diamond melee accents, applied green enamel body suspending a pearl drop, lg. 2 1/8 in., no. C-1468-C, signed, boxed, with papers.
Estimate $2,000-3,000
Carved Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, Sevan Bicakci
Auction:2659B
Lot:118
Sold for:$9,000
Carved Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, Sevan Bicakci, c. 2005, bezel-set with a cabochon pink tourmaline with a Maltese cross carved within, further framed and set with diamond melee, 24kt gold and oxidized silver mount, size 8 1/2, signed, boxed.
Estimate $5,000-7,000
Carved Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, Sevan Bicakci, c. 2005, bezel-set with a cabochon pink tourmaline with a Maltese cross carved within, further framed and set with diamond melee, 24kt gold and oxidized silver mount, size 8 1/2, signed, boxed.
Estimate $5,000-7,000
Skinner is the place for people looking to buy and sell fine objects of value.
Founded over four decades ago, Skinner offers more than 60 auctions annually. Skinner auctions reach an international audience and showcase the unique, rare, and beautiful in dozens of categories, including the fine and decorative arts, jewelry, modern design, musical instruments, science and technology, wine, and many others.
IGI Mumbai Moves Operations to Bandra-Kurla Complex
Today marks the inauguration of the International Gemological Institute’s (IGI) new offices at Mumbai’s Capital Bandra-Kurla Complex. The move is aimed at serving the industry – which is gradually moving its center of operations to the new diamond bourse – better and more efficiently. In attendance will be guest of honor, Vipul Shah, the chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), IGI’s worldwide co-CEO Roland Lorie and other prominent industry members.
IGI will offer full industry services from its new location at the diamond bourse. The Institute will be housed in over 50,000 square feet of office space and will offer an entirely new customer experience, including Tatkal, a special one-day option for urgent deliveries. It will also offer pick-up and drop-off at both its bourse location and at customers’ offices. Accuracy and service have always been cornerstones at IGI and will be further reinforced at the new premises.
IGI services are now available at four Mumbai locations, in addition to ten labs across India – certification of loose stones and jewelry offered at the capital; mobile lab grading services for Zaveri Bazzar and surrounding areas remain at Opera House; IGI’s school of gemology operates from Opera House and special courses are also offered at Bandra-Kurla; IGI MIDC will continue its jewelry certification services, as well as IGI SEEPZ’s services for the export markets. Additionally, mobile labs will be operational from all IGI offices.
“The Bandra-Kurla office will offer state-of-the-art facilities, upgraded systems and convenient delivery options for our clients,” said Tehmasp Printer, the managing director of IGI India. “Operating full-service facilities at four prime locations in Mumbai, we offer the competitive advantage of being closer to diamantaires’ offices, as well as jewelry manufacturers’ factories. Our singular focus is to offer better and more efficient services.”
IGI first established a laboratory in India in 1999, when third-party certification and international grading standards had not yet been fully introduced in the region. India was already an important manufacturing center, but most certification and trading took place outside of the country. IGI took on the challenge of educating the Indian diamond industry and, since its inception, has instructed a significant cross-section of the industry – from manufacturers, to sorters and polishers. To date, tens of thousands of people have enrolled in IGI’s courses. Today, the Indian diamond industry serves the global diamond pipeline – including mining, manufacturing and retail – and IGI is proud to have played an integral and leading role in its growth.
The new diamond bourse has recently become a reality and serves as India’s crowning glory in the global diamond community. The complex is designed to house approximately 2,500 small and large diamond traders, in addition to Customs House, banks and other service providers.
About the International Gemological InstituteIGI began in 1975 and is currently the world’s largest independent laboratory for testing and grading gemstones and fine jewelry with offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Tel Aviv, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Surat, Chennai, Thrissur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Cavaleze and Shanghai. IGI has received ISO accreditation in many countries. A certificate from IGI represents the all-important 5th C that no one should be without: Confidence. IGI is a standard of excellence for industry professionals and consumers around the globe. For more information, please visit www.igiworldwide.com.
Recruiter Registration Now Open: GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair
Recruiter Registration Now Open: GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair
Connecting employers with the next generation of gem & jewelry stars, July 29
Gem and jewelry companies seeking skilled and motivated talent are invited to participate in the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) New York Jewelry Career Fair on Monday, July 29 at the Javits Center. The acclaimed recruiting event will feature a panel discussion, one-on-one career coaching, and hiring opportunities for various careers within the field. Recruiter registration is available online now.“Last year’s event in New York connected recruiters from 44 companies with more than 800 job seekers, including many candidates who proved their skill, talent and motivation,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of Career Fair. “Whether you’re in manufacturing, design, gemology or retail, Career Fair is an excellent opportunity to meet and hire the next generation of gem and jewelry professionals, including GIA students and alumni.”
GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 29 at the Javits Center in 1E Hall. Recruiting will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by JA New York.
Employers interested in recruiting at this Career Fair can sign up by using the registration form, contacting GIA’s Career Services office at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4093, or emailing kimberly.overlin@gia.edu. For general information, email careerfair@gia.edu or visit www.careerfair.gia.edu.
GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, Calif. Since then, the event has expanded and linked gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 40 events in India, Las Vegas, New York and the GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. Following the New York event, the next GIA Carlsbad Jewelry Career Fair will take place on Friday, Oct. 11.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.
#JWLV – DEF Introduces New Designer Jewelry That Support Their Initiatives
DONNA DISTEFANO, ROYAL ASSCHER, AND BANNEKER WATCHES COLLABORATE WITH DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND ON NEW JEWELRY LINES
Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) introduced a new line of Empowerment Jewelry at JCK Las Vegas, collaborating with leading jewelry designers who support DEF’s mission of empowering the next generation of African leaders in diamond producing countries.
Jewelry Designer Donna Distefano’s stylish and sustainable collection of bracelets titled ‘Illumination’ was created to be symbolic, accessible, and versatile. Each bracelet, co-designed by Elizabeth Hamrick, bears a silver emblem representing some of the values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Set with diamonds, the silver symbols slide on leather-look ultra-suede straps, making them suitable for men and women as well as being animal friendly.
Royal Asscher has created a tsavorite and diamond pendant for DEF as part of the Stars of Africa collection. This unique pendant is comprised of green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at JCK and is an example of the Asscher Family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back.
Banneker Watches, is introducing a line of watches for DEF which incorporate their signature design of luxury woods combined with diamonds and green crystals.
Russell Simmons, global business mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of DEF, shares these designers vision of transformation as it is the cornerstone to DEF’s mission. “It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision” affirms Simmons. Each designer has also joined DEF’s Diamonds for Good Membership Program to further show support for DEF and to contribute to scholarships for these young people.
About the Diamond Empowerment Fund
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based global non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree. CIDA has an 80% employment rate among graduates; the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achieversprogram that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development. www.diamondempowerment.org.
