Events & Awards

Diamonds Do Good to Host Inaugural Next Gen Awards

Events & AwardsApr 15, 2022

Diamonds Do Good to Host Inaugural Next Gen Awards

Celebrating the next generation of jewelry industry leaders, the awards will be presented during the annual gala in Las Vegas.

20220415_Diamonds Do Good award logo.jpg
Diamonds Do Good will present the inaugural Next Gen Award during its annual gala on June 9.
New York—Diamonds Do Good will celebrate the next generation of industry leaders in its inaugural Next Gen Awards.

The not-for-profit will hold the awards ceremony during its annual gala on June 9 at the Venetian Hotel’s Palazzo Ballroom during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

“Our goal is to recognize leaders who represent the future for our industry. These individuals span the mining, manufacturing, and retail sectors, and we will highlight their accomplishments in their respective fields and support of the communities where they do business,” said Diamonds Do Good President Anna Martin.

The awards will go to Feriel Zerouki, Kealeboga Pule, Kecia Caffie, and Alexis Padis.

“The recipients of these awards reflect the importance of engaging community around the world”, said DDG co-founder and civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.

“Now more than ever we need to reaffirm and share this commitment with consumers everywhere.”

Feriel Zerouki, senior vice president of corporate affairs at De Beers Group, is the first woman elected as incoming president of the World Diamond Council.

She has been instrumental in spearheading ethical programs at De Beers to bolster its sustainability agenda, said DDG.

“Starting with the Best Practice Principles, through to provenance initiatives such as Tracr and developing solutions to integrate artisanal miners to the international trade through GemFair, Feriel has already left her mark on the industry,” said the organization.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Kealeboga Pule is the founder, manufacturer, and bespoke diamond jeweler of South Africa-based Nungu Diamonds, as well as a member of the Young Diamantaires.

“His commitment to his community extends beyond providing jobs for young South Africans as he seeks to change the world diamond narrative by refocusing the diamond consumer back to ‘why’ diamonds—their unique origin and their impact on socioeconomic development at producer countries and manufacturing centers around the world,” said DDG.

Kecia Caffie is the president of Signet Jewelers-owned Banter by Piercing Pagoda. Under her leadership, the brand has worked to connect with millennial and Gen Z customers.

Alexis Padis is the president of Padis Jewelry and the president-elect for the American Gem Society. She received the 2021 Young Titleholder of the Year Award and was also recognized as one of the “20 Under 40” by Jewelers of America.

“She takes to heart the responsibility of the independent jeweler to promote ethical business practices, uphold consumer protection, and continue their jewelry education while supporting her own local community,” said DDG.

Diamonds Do Good, formerly known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund, aims to share the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa.

For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit the DDG website.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 6827 and Rolex Lady Datejust ref. 6917
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data Shows

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

Daniel’s Jewelers storefront
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private Equity

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

Brilliant Earth The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Dana Rebecca Alexa Jordyn Marquise Marge hoops
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day Diamonds

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelry display
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be Taking

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

Header - One platform_ total protection_ seamless shipping (1).png
Supplier BulletinSep 24, 2026
Ship with Confidence with JM Shipping Solution

Sponsored by JM Shipping

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

8.03 carat natural fancy light blue diamond
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry Auction

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry by Amy Azzarito
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

Lab-grown diamond tennis bracelets and rings from Kira Jewels
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Dana Rebecca Designs Tennis Bracelets Campaign Imagery
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, Personalization

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The logo for The Diamond Collective, the new name for the Natural Diamond Council
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers 7Cs Cafe
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7Cs

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Kay Love All In campaign
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on Love

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

Pandora x Pat McGrath campaign image
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry Collab

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

Texas Jewelers Association
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th Anniversary

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling 2026
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event Returns

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.

Pandora and Foundrae medallions
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court Rules

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

The Retail Smiths Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional Selling

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Constance Polamalu
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' List

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

Photo collage of new GCAL by Sarine lab in Mumbai
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

Cartier Cheich watch in white gold
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Pamela Bernstein-Gulla and Elle Hill at the Wynn Las Vegas
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to Retire

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

Bhindi Jewelers Glendale Store Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California Store

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy