Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
DEF event scores additional sponsors
A pair of large mining companies and one of the world’s biggest retailers are among the latest industry players to pledge their support for the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s annual gala in Las Vegas.

New York--A pair of large mining companies and one of the world’s biggest retailers are among the latest industry players to pledge their support for the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s annual gala in Las Vegas.
DEF announced that Rio Tinto and De Beers are joining Signet Jewelers Ltd. as premier presenting sponsors of the Diamonds in the Sky event scheduled to take place this June in Las Vegas.
Chinese retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd. is the event’s premier partner sponsor while KGK Group and Le Vian Corp. join Tiffany & Co. as premier patron sponsors.
The black-tie optional Diamonds in the Sky event is scheduled for May 29 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. Attending the event will be members of the diamond industry, government officials from diamond-producing nations, dignitaries and celebrities.
DEF will present its 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award that night to Botswana’s President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana in recognition of their global leadership and contributions to democracy.
RELATED CONTENT: DEF to honor Botswana president at Las Vegas event
“The immediate embrace by these global leaders of the … gala signifies a momentous coming together of the industry in support of DEF’s Diamonds Do Good mission,” said De Beers Group of Companies CEO Philippe Mellier. “We are delighted to be part of this special occasion honoring (Botswana’s) unique record of success in transforming its natural resource into sustainable, broad-based development.”
Benefactor sponsors of the event are: Arjav Diamonds, Blue Star Diamonds, Dali Diamond Co., Diacore, Diarough, Eurostar Diamond Traders, Julius Klein Group, M. Suresh Company, Pluzcenik, Rosy Blue, Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Sustainer Sponsors; American Gem Society Laboratories, Christopher Designs, Crossworks Manufacturing, Dalumi Group, Dominion Diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America, Interjewel, JCK, Leo Schachter, Niru Group, Rapaport Group, Taché, Y. Dvash and Empowerment Circle Partners; Forevermark, Dalumi Group, Malca-Amit, Brilliant Earth, Exelco, Leo Schachter, Sarine Technologies and Tiffany.
Additional information on the Diamonds in the Sky event can be found by contacting DEF Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman at n.lyman@diamondempowerment.org or on the DEF website.
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

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

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.























