'Diamonds Do Good' Awards See Record Results

RAPAPORT... The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) said it hosted its mostsuccessful award show to date, raising funds to provide higher education toyouth in diamond-producing countries. The event's new Balloons For Good appeal, which was emceedby awards chair and Hearts on Fire president Caryl Capeci and JCK news directorRob Bates, helped the group raise additional capital. The DEF's goal is to urge those in the diamond industry togive back to the community at large. Recipients of the group's Diamonds Do Goodawards included De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver, who was honored for promoting theprofessional advancement of women. "Advancing women is an industry-wide issue," Cleaver said."We all have an interest in strengthening the sector by making it more diverse,in making sure the benefits that diamonds can have are felt in the communitiesfrom which they come." Also honored at the event was the government of theNorthwest Territories of Canada, for responsible diamond-mining-developmentpolicies. "The recipients of this year's Diamonds Do Good awards trulyreflected the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industryaround the world," said Anna Martin, president of the DEF and senior vicepresident of the Gemological Institute of America. "Sharing these stories withour consumers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for theentire industry."