The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.)  has released a list of the  recipients of its 2019 ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards. The   winners  will be honoured and  presented with their Awards at the D.E.F. annual gala on May 30 at the Venetian Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom Las Vegas, NV.

ALROSA will receive the Diamonds Do Good Community Stewardship Award and the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group will receive the Diamonds Do Good Community Building Award.

Elaborating on the  Diamonds Do Good Community Stewardship Award to ALROSA, D.E.F. said: “The world’s leading diamond mining company in terms of total carats produced, ALROSA has been a steward of the community since the discovery of a Kimberlite diamond pipe in 1955 brought thousands to the otherwise barren region. Given the name of ‘Mir’ the Russian word for ‘peace’ it is now home to 35,000 people. ALROSA makes community responsibility one of their company pillars and go beyond providing necessary infrastructure for workers and their families. Each year they dedicate 3% of their revenue for social and economic development across the region and charity projects. This includes supporting education and culture, offering healthcare, rehabilitation, housing, culture and sports activities for the people of Yakutia.”

About the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group (LJRC) receiving the  Diamonds Do Good Community Building Award, D.E.F. said: “Established in 2005, the LJRC is a consortium of 12 independent family-owned jewellery retailers across 20 states. The principals are well respected within the industry as much for their business acumen as for their community and philanthropic involvement.  The group is unique in that they regularly meet to connect on challenges and opportunities that affect their individual businesses as well as the industry at-large.  The principals hold themselves to the highest standards and remain committed to maintaining the integrity of their diamonds.  A consistent link between each member is their strong belief in building the community around where they do business. From empowering young girls through Girl’s Inc. to supporting women’s shelters, the homeless, cultural arts and education initiatives, the group’s members epitomize the generosity of the industry.”

The LJRC includes under its umbrella the following:  Bachendorf’s, Bruce G. Weber, Diamond Cellar, Hamilton Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, London Jewelers, Lux Bond & Green, Mann’s Jewelers, Reis-Nichols Jewelers, Tapper’s Diamond & Fine Jewelry, and Tivol.

“The recipients of this years’ Diamonds Do Good Awards reflect the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industry at home and around the world”, commented  D.E.F. president Anna Martin, also senior Vice President of GIA. “Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.”