2009 Jewelry Shows

left to right: DEF Executive Director Ellen Haddigan, DEF Intern Lesego Mathware, DEF Board Member and former WJA President Phyllis Bergman, Miss Africa USA Nyasha Zimucha, DIVA award winner Evelyn Huang, WJA President Yancy Weinrich, DIVA award winners Susan Shannon of Lim Studio and Pamela Froman of Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry, and DEF Board Co-President Dr. Ben Chavis.

The worldwide diamond and jewelry industry meets for a week in May to June at the JCK and Couture events. These independent multinational events bring producers, designers, manufacturers, retailers, press together. Most importantly, ideas and industry trends are shared through various networking sessions including panel discussions and keynote speeches.

This year was D.E.F’s 3rd year participating and great meetings we had with designers and manufactures who are very supportive of the cause and its mission. Finally, D.E.F had the great opportunity to be chosen as the charitable partner for this years Womens Jewelry Association’s DIVA GIVES BACK competition.

DIVA GIVES BACK

Womens Jewelry Association held a press conference announcing this years Diva Gives Back winners at JCK 2009 and a cocktail party at club LAVO in Las Vegas. Special guest, Niyasha Zimucha along with diamond Jewelry executives were in attendance at both the press conference and cocktail party. DEF would like to thank WJA and sponsors, GIA and Rio Tinto forbeing chosen as theis years charitable partner.

Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha and DIVA award winner Evelyn Huang.

DIVA award winner, Evelyn Huang was present at the cocktail party to share the great insight on her inspiration while designing the winning peice. Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha came to share her experiences, as a South African, she explained how important the Diamond Jewelry Industry in United States is important to diamond producing nations in Africa.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Miss Africa USA, Niyasha Zimucha checks out the Simmons Jewelry Co

DEF proud supporter, Simmons Jewelry Company, was also exhibiting at JCK and the DEF team along with Miss Africa USA, Niysha Zimucha visited them. Simmons Jewelry Co. has been at the forefront with supporting D.E.F through creating the Green Bracelet, D.E.F.’s first symbol.

DEF also met with different representatives in the industry at all levels of the jewelry pipe line and looks forward to reporting on positive developments.

Please click here for the WJA Press Release.