The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
DEF launches consumer-facing website
The Diamond Empowerment Fund now is telling the story of the good that diamonds do around the world directly to consumers.
The New York-based nonprofit just launched DiamondsDoGood.com, a website built in partnership with The Condé Nast Media Group. The site gives a history of the stones and shares stories of the good diamond and jewelry companies are doing today.
Stories shared on the site include Rio Tinto’s program that brings water to villages in rural India, the successes of three DEF student scholars, De Beers’ enterprise-building programs in South Africa, the education of women on maternal and children’s health in rural China by retailer Chow Tai Fook, and the giving back the industry does in the United States through Jewelers for Children.
Additional programs from the industry will be featured on the site throughout 2015.
“There has been a void in communication of the vast amount of good the industry does,” DEF co-founder Benjamin Chavis said. “This website will help fill that void.”
Supporting the website are accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
A grant from the JCK Industry Fund made development and the first phase of the website possible.
Founded by Chavis, business mogul Russell Simmons and diamond industry leaders in 2007, DEF works to empower diamond-producing communities worldwide. Its beneficiaries include CIDA City Campus in South Africa; the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg; and the Botswana Top Achievers program, which gives that country’s top high school students the chance to study at the college of their choice anywhere in the world.
The Latest


The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.


Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

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

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.






















