‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards See Record Results

RAPAPORT… The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) said it hosted its most
successful award show to date, raising funds to provide higher education to
youth in diamond-producing countries.



The event’s new Balloons For Good appeal, which was emceed
by awards chair and Hearts on Fire president Caryl Capeci and JCK news director
Rob Bates, helped the group raise additional capital.


The DEF’s goal is to urge those in the diamond industry to
give back to the community at large. Recipients of the group’s Diamonds Do Good
awards included De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver, who was honored for promoting the
professional advancement of women.


“Advancing women is an industry-wide issue,” Cleaver said.
“We all have an interest in strengthening the sector by making it more diverse,
in making sure the benefits that diamonds can have are felt in the communities
from which they come.”


Also honored at the event was the government of the
Northwest Territories of Canada, for responsible diamond-mining-development
policies.


“The recipients of this year’s Diamonds Do Good awards truly
reflected the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industry
around the world,” said Anna Martin, president of the DEF and senior vice
president of the Gemological Institute of America. “Sharing these stories with
our consumers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the
entire industry.”