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.

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.
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.
The Latest

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.


The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.