AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
SourcingAug 25, 2016
DDI Brings Schools to Artisan Diamond Mining Communities
The Diamond Development Initiative has received grants from the Diamond Empowerment Fund and Brilliant Earth to fund the schools.
Pictured here are students at one of the Diamond Development Initiative’s mobile schools, which are funded by the Diamond Empowerment Fund and Brilliant Earth.
Ottawa, Ontario--The Diamond Development Initiative’s motto is: If you can’t send kids to school, then send schools to kids.
The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) announced it has received two grants, one from nonprofit Diamond Empowerment Fund and the other from ethical jewelry retailer Brilliant Earth, to fund its mobile schooling program.
The DDI’s mobile schools were enacted to meet the needs of artisan diamond mining communities where schools are far away, making it likely for children to work in mining fields with their parents, rather than pursue education.
Through grants, the schools provide a physical facility, uniforms, meals and school materials. They also train teachers and involve the community through construction, security and maintenance.
The two existing mobile schools were established in 2015 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering two-year remedial educational programs to students. The programs aim to prepare them for reintegration into formal education upon completion.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund, which funded one of the schools, called the “Diamond Empowerment Mobile School,” has donated a grant to fund the second year of programming for the school’s 20 students. The school is located in Kankala, a mining village in the Kasai Occidental province in the DRC.
“We recognize that we are barely scratching the surface," said Dorothée Gizenga, Executive Director of DDI. “All children, from elementary and secondary levels, should be in school. But today, thanks to the Diamond Empowerment Fund, there are 20 children in Kankala who are receiving a good education. Twenty children with the chance to succeed are bringing hope to their village. And this is only the beginning.”
Brilliant Earth, which is responsible for the creation of the second school created in 2015, the Brilliant Mobile School, has provided funding for that school’s second year of programming, as well as additional funding to introduce a new class of children to the school, allowing 20 more students the opportunity for education.
Beth Gerstein, Brilliant Earth’s co-founder and CEO commented, “The work of DDI to improve the conditions of artisanal diamond miners and their families aligns with our own mission to provide jewelry that consumers can be proud to wear. We are happy to invest in the lives of these students and offer them a better future.”
Gizenga noted, “This small group of children is receiving high quality education that could enable them to break the cycle of poverty. Through this donation, Brilliant Earth is ensuring continuity and showing the example.”
For
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
more information on the Diamond Development Initiative and how to get involved, visit www.DDIGlobal.org.
Further information on their partners, the Diamond Empowerment Fund and Brilliant Earth, can be found on their websites.
“There are hundreds, even thousands of children like them in artisanal mining communities in Africa,” Gizenga said of the mobile school students. “We call on local and international partners to do more to respond to this need.”
Further information on their partners, the Diamond Empowerment Fund and Brilliant Earth, can be found on their websites.
“There are hundreds, even thousands of children like them in artisanal mining communities in Africa,” Gizenga said of the mobile school students. “We call on local and international partners to do more to respond to this need.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
