July 30th - D.E.F. Day at the J.A. New York Summer Show

        Diamond Empowerment Fund Announces

        ‘D.E.F. Day at the J.A. Show’

        Monday, July 30

         

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce it will be at the Jewelers of America show on Monday, July 30. DEF will be housed in a unique ‘pop-up’ space in the Italian Pavilion, showcasing its benefit products, merchandising kit, and message of helping Africans through education, with ways for the industry to get involved.

A highlight of the day will be a 2 p.m. wine and cheese reception at the Inner Circle Lounge at the JA Show.  DEF will host “Conversations with African Leadership Academy Alumni,” featuring graduates of the academy, one of the schools that receives funding from DEF.  ALA Alumni will tell their amazing stories of rising above challenges to become the empowered future leaders of their countries. The students will share their goals for contributing to the economic and social development of their countries – DEF helps support all ALA students from diamond-producing nations. ALA Alumni will also be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and visitors.

DEF will also be previewing new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements, offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel, offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings, part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collections. These diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions for the sales support materials before the final versions are printed. They will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

DEF’s mission is to raise 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, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates.  The second is 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. It emphasizes leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and African history. DEF provides scholarships to all ALA students from diamond-producing nations.  The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.