Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine
DEF Donates $130K to African School
The Diamond Empowerment Fund has made another donation to the African Leadership Academy, the Johannesburg-based program that helps prepare students for college.

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund has made another donation to the African Leadership Academy (ALA), the two-year program based in Johannesburg, South Africa that helps prepare young students for college.
At a ceremony held recently at the Yale Club in New York City, DEF presented ALA leaders with a check for $130,000, bringing DEF’s total donations to ALA to $750,000.
ALA co-founder Chris Bradford, along with board Chair Liz Gips and Executive Director Tim McChristian, were on hand to receive the check.
In addition, at the event, CNN International anchor and correspondent Robyn Curnow moderated a discussion on opportunities for entrepreneurship in Africa with Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa, founder of international telecommunications group Econet Wireless.
Also present were several ALA graduates, including Bradley Opere from Kenya, who currently is the student body president at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
DEF’s support of ALA and other programs in diamond communities are made possible through the funds the organization raises at its annual Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, which is now held in Las Vegas in June, in conjunction with JCK Las Vegas and the other trade shows.
ALA is just one of the education initiatives that DEF supports.
The academy stresses leadership, entrepreneurship and African studies. Students return to their home countries after college graduation to apply what they’ve learned to building and improving their own communities.
The Latest

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.


The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.