(IDEX Online) - Borsheims Fine Jewelry is the latest company to share its positive social impact stories through the Diamond Empowerment Fund's Diamonds Do Good initiative.
Borsheims, based in Omaha, Nebraska and owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Group, is spreading its community development efforts to Botswana, from where its Kalahari Dream Diamonds are sourced.
In two of the drought-impacted villages near where the diamonds are cut and polished, Borsheims has funded the creation of a direct, consistent and sustainable water system. Money for the project was collected in the local community of Omaha through the sales of the Kalahari Dream Diamond collection.
Furthering its commitment to the African continent, Borsheims is supporting the volunteer sanctuary work of their head diamond buyer, Heather Ingraham. Through sales of the RhinoPendant, which features a 0.10 ct rough Kalahari Dream Diamond, a percentage of the proceeds go directly to the Care for the Wild Rhino Sanctuary.
These efforts are profiled on DiamondsDoGood.com and targeted at millennials through social and digital media outreach.
Research shows 75% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase a diamond after reading positive stories about how the industry gives back. "Putting forward a positive narrative surrounding diamonds is essential," says D.E.F president and GIA senior vice president Anna Martin. "Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry."
More examples of how the industry gives back will be highlighted at this year's Diamonds Do Good Gala in Las Vegas on May 31st with honorees Bruce Cleaver, CEO De Beers, and Canada's Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Cleaver is being recognized for De Beers' work in accelerating women's professional advancement, and GNWT is being recognized for its responsible diamond mining practices which ensures a sustainable future for the indigenous tribes and wildlife that surround the mining operations.