Sourcing

DEF Launches Millennial-Focused Proposal Contest

SourcingNov 05, 2018

DEF Launches Millennial-Focused Proposal Contest

“Real Stories. Real Diamonds. Real Impact” is designed to educate consumers on the positive stories surrounding mined diamonds.

20181105_DEF-contest.jpg
The winners of DEF’s “Real Stories. Real Diamonds. Real Impact” contest will be flown to Botswana to see firsthand the good diamonds have done in the country.

New York—The Diamond Empowerment Fund has launched a proposal contest aimed at millennials and designed to educate consumers on the positive stories surrounding mined diamonds.

DEF is asking entrants of the “Real Stories. Real Diamonds. Real Impact” contest to submit a video—no longer than 60 seconds—of their proposal story and what their diamond means to them.

The clips will be judged by digital media influencers Tracey Ellison of @thediamondsgirl, Jen Campbell of @greenweddingshoes and Scott and Collette Stohler of @roamaroo, who have more than 1.2 million followers among them.

The winning couple will be flown to Botswana to see the impact diamonds have had on the country firsthand and to share their experiences on social media.

Contest details can be found on DiamondsDoGood.com.

“Educating the younger generation on the good diamonds do and inviting them to engage in this narrative will help boost consumer confidence and ultimately demand for diamonds,” DEF President and GIA Senior Vice President Anna Martin said.

The marketing of the contest will be done through the judges’ social media channels, as well as through brands, retailers and the Diamonds Do Good social media channels.

DEF also is encouraging industry members to share the contest link with their customers.

The organization said the “Real Stories. Real Diamonds. Real Impact” contest was made possible by the grant it received through the JCK Industry Fund.

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

The Latest

HOWL Frida Venetian Glass Collar
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Campaign

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Guzema Founder and Creative Director Valeriya Guzema and Co-Owner and CEO Mariana Lenha
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year Anniversary

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Main camp at Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Necklace from Vhernier’s “Freccia” high jewelry collection
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a Row

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

Grace Barden
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice Graduate

The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Jewelers of Louisiana 80th Annual Convention Logo
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th Convention

The event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.

Lucara diamond
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in Botswana

The yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.

Barry Berman
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81

The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report

The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Pomellato Eye of Tanzanite Necklace and Pin-Up Ring
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is Liberating

Bold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”

Foundrae London Store Showcases
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside US

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

Mindi Mond New York emerald shoulder duster earrings
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters

These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.

FBI Most Wanted image of Alberto Perez-Elias
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted List

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.

Aerial view of Amazon
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYC

Initiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”

Stephanie Gottlieb Casual Carats Lab-Grown Dimond and Silicone Rings
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown Diamonds

The designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.

File photo of the Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at Venetia

The diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.

JIS sign in convention center lobby
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 Show

The annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.

Arena Club Twilight and Eclipse Time Boxes
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches

Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.

Jade Trau Constellation Plié Collar
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of Diamonds

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Former De Beers CFO of Brands and Consumer Markets Shaun Wills
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

Brilliant Earth watches
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into Watches

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

×

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