Sourcing

DEF to Honor Helzberg at ‘Diamonds Do Good’

SourcingMar 10, 2017

DEF to Honor Helzberg at ‘Diamonds Do Good’

The retailer will receive the Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award at the organization’s gala on June 4 in Las Vegas.

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund has announced it will honor retailer Helzberg Diamonds with the Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award at its Diamonds Do Good event in Las Vegas.

The event is scheduled for June 4 at the Four Seasons Ballroom.

The Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award honors the actions taken by a corporation to better the lives in its local community while making a difference globally. DEF said that for more than a century, Helzberg has “epitomized this ideal.”

Morris Helzberg opened the first Helzberg store opened in 1915 in Kansas City, Kansas but his son, Barnett, soon took over the responsibility. His business skills and sense of community responsibility were what helped to grow the company even during the Great Depression.

He made himself an integral part of the community, providing counseling for the Girl Scouts, support for the Kansas City Zoo and establishing the Diamond Council of America.

When his son Barnett Jr. took over, he continued this tradition. He also developed the “I am loved” button promotion after proposing to his wife, Shirley, which became a campaign of goodwill sent to military men serving in the Vietnam War, children in hospitals and eventually was translated into more than 11 languages.

Barnett Jr. sold the company to Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway in1995. Beryl Raff was named the next leader of the company in 2009.

Three years later, in 2012, Helzberg established “Helzberg Helps” to honor its philanthropic traditions, with the mission of leading fundraising efforts and organizing volunteer activities primarily for charitable entities that support the benefit of children and families in need.

The company’s largest charitable efforts since 2009 supported Make-A-Wish America.

The retailer is one of three honorees at this year’s gala. The other two have not yet been announced.

For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships, visit DiamondsDoGoodAwards.org.

This story was updated post-publication because National Jeweler erroneously reported that  two of the honorees from the 2016 Diamonds Do Good Awards gala--Dorothee Gizenga and Chow Tai Fook--were being honored in 2017. The Diamond Empowerment will be announcing the two additional honorees soon.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

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

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sothebys orangy pink The Desert Rose diamond
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu Dhabi

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

National Jeweler columnist and Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’t

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

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

Guzema Once Upon a Time Collection Campaign
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday Collection

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

Gemvision by Stuller MatrixGold 3.11
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGold

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

Sign at the JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Juell Kadet, former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Lumia 2 smart earrings
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart Earrings

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Lionheart Wildflower Double Cocktail Ring
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s Birthstones

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings in Blaze
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ Earrings

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … White

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

Stuller holiday 2025
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ Campaign

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

Fabergé x 007 Octopussy egg and pendant
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg Pendant

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

Exterior of renovated and expanded J.R. Dunn Jewelers
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

DD-Email-Image-1872x1052 (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural Diamonds

Sponsored by De Beers Group

G-Shock DWN5600 Ring
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock Watch

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

Accredited Gemologists Association logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker Lineup

The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.

 CBG logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event

The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.

Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement Ring

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

Costco store
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds

The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Shoppers in a mall
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving Weekend

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

Faberge The Winter Egg
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30M

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy