The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce it will be at the J.A. show this year on Monday, July 30 occupying a unique ‘pop-up’ space in the Italian Pavilion and showcasing its products, merchandising kit materials, message and ways to get involved!

A highlight of the day will be a 2pm wine and cheese reception at the Inner Circle Lounge where DEF will host “Conversations with African Leadership Academy Alumni” featuring graduates of the ALA, which receives funding from DEF. ALA Alumni will tell their amazing stories of rising from challenges to empowerment and their hopes for contributing to the economic and social development of their countries, all of which are diamond-producing nations. ALA Alumni will also be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and greet visitors.

DEF will also have on display a preview of new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collection where diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe . Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions on the sales support materials for the final versions, which will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

DEF’s mission is to raise money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates. The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, emphasizing leadership skills, African History, and entrepreneurial skills. DEF provides scholarships to all students from diamond-producing nations. The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.