The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
DEF Partners with Mandela Institute for Scholarship
It will be the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund scholarships.
New York—The Diamond Empowerment Fund h¬as partnered with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) to establish the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund scholarships.
MINDS develops Pan-African leaders who have experience on the continent and can facilitate economic integration and social cohesion.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarship will be earmarked for a student from a diamond-producing country whose chosen post-graduate study is in a field that helps improve the quality of life for Africans.
Additional DEF scholarships will be identified in the coming months, each representing the global impact of the diamond industry.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund was inspired by Nelson Mandela, who encouraged its co-founders to tell the world how Africa’s diamonds were helping build healthy and educated communities on the continent.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and to continue the legacy of giving back to the very communities where diamonds are found,” said DEF President Anna Martin, who is also senior vice president of GIA.
This year marks what would have been Mandela’s 100th birthday. His impact will be acknowledged and celebrated at the Mandela Peace Summit on the eve of the opening of the UN General Assembly this month.
The Latest

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.


When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.























