Events & AwardsApr 14, 2022
Here Are the 2022 CASE Award WinnersEvents & 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.
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 …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
