Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
DEF to honor Botswana president at Las Vegas event
The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) announced Wednesday that it will hold a third Diamonds in the Sky event in Las Vegas next year where it will honor Botswana’s President Ian Khama.
New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) announced Wednesday that it will hold a third Diamonds in the Sky event in Las Vegas next year where it will honor Botswana’s President Ian Khama.
The black tie-optional event will take place in the Four Seasons Ballroom on May 29, 2014, beginning at 7 p.m. It takes place in the midst of the early summer jewelry trade shows, also known as Las Vegas market week.
The organization will present the Diamond Empowerment Fund 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award to Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana in recognition of “their global leadership and contributions to democracy, sustainable economic development and the growth and expansion of the international diamond industry,” DEF said.
The affair will include networking, a live auction, music and a special performance.
Proceeds from the event will benefit DEF’s “Diamonds Do Good” mission of providing higher education scholarships for youth from diamond-producing countries.
Diamonds in the Sky was first held in 2010 in London, when DEF honored Nicky Oppenheimer, then chairman of the De Beers Group, and Peter Sands, group CEO of Standard Chartered Bank.
The following year it took place in Hong Kong and honored Cheng Yu-tung, chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, and Cynthia Carroll, then CEO of Anglo American PLC.
More information about the Diamonds in the Sky event can be found on the DEF’s website.
DEF was co-founded in 2007 by music mogul Russell Simmons and a number of diamond industry leaders. It funds programs that provide African youth with higher education opportunities, including leadership development and entrepreneurial skills building.
DEF’s beneficiary organizations are CIDA City Campus, African Leadership Academy, and the Botswana Top Achievers program.
The Latest

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.


As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.



















