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May 17, 2021

Diamonds Do Good Launches Project Bracelet

Heera Zhaveraat had the chance to catch up with Nancy Orem Lyman, Executive Director of the global non-profit Diamonds Do Good. Here they discuss the recently launched ‘Project Bracelet’ initiative inviting designers from around the world to participate in creating a new signature bracelet that defines the organization.

1. What is behind the name Diamonds Do Good?

Answer: Diamonds Do Good was originally called The Diamond Empowerment Fund. The inspiration for the organization came from Nelson Mandela in 2007. Our founders had gone on a fact-finding mission to Southern Africa to see first-hand the impact the natural diamond industry had on the socio-economic development of the region. They visited diamond mines in South Africa and Botswana, toured cutting and polishing facilities which hired community members, saw hospitals built and innovative education programs introduced. They also visited The Honourable Nelson Mandela, first post-apartheid President of South Africa and his wife Graça Machel at their home in Mozambique.  President Mandela encouraged our founders to tell the good story behind diamonds which were so important to the socio-economic development of Southern Africa.

Over the past 14 years the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission has supported programs that develop and empower people in diamond communities around the world. Our message to tell the good diamonds do has resonated with consumers and the trade over these same years. Consumers have a better image of the natural diamond industry and are more interested in purchasing a natural diamond after reading our ‘do good’ stories. Many members of the industry now identify their own sustainability programs under the ‘do good’ banner and use #diamondsdogood in their Instagram posts.

Seizing on this clear identification of our mission, and which we trademarked in 2014, we are now known as Diamonds Do Good to consumers, trade and media alike and do business as Diamonds Do Good.

2. What is meant by the theme of Project Bracelet, ‘Growth, Unity, Equality?

Answer: We’ve always been an organization that champions the youth we help educate grow to become the next generation of leaders in their community. We felt it was important to lean on the issues affecting the world today, both socially and politically as the theme behind our decision to redesign our DDG Bracelet.  We want designers to feel inspired by what is happening in the world today in how they conceptualize their designs. In this way we can always reference where the world was when the decision to redesign our Bracelet was made; we wanted to mark that moment in history and to do that, in the spirit of inclusivity and unity (as championed by Nelson Mandela) we opened ourselves to designers around the world (of all races and all walks of life) to reimagine our symbol of change and impact (our DDB Bracelet).

Nancy Orem Lyman, Executive Director of the global non-profit Diamonds Do Good. 

3. Who is on the “Panel of Reviewers” and why were they chosen?

Answer:  The Project Bracelet Panel of Reviewers consists of an esteemed group of leaders in the diamond and jewelry industry:

  • Kecia Caffie: SVP, General Manager Piercing Pagoda
  • Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr: President, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Co-Founder of Diamonds Do Good
  • Kim Crawford: VP Divisional Manager, Jewelry & Watches Macy’s
  • Ayzia James: Branding, Digital Marketing Manager, Hamilton Jewelers
  • Eddie Levian: CEO, Le Vian
  • Daniele Miele: Gem Gossip/Influencer
  • Lola Oladunjoye: Designer, Lola Fenhirst
  • Stellene Vollandes: Editor-in-Chief, Town & Country

The Panel of Reviewers were selected for both their unique experiences and expertise and their influence on the diamond and jewelry industry.  These Reviewers understand both the diamond and jewelry industry, as well as, the purchasing consumer.  We believe that the design chosen by these Reviewers will have the opportunity to be sold in Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, independent retailers, and department stores around the United States.

4. Why is Diamonds Do Good emphasizing the need for designers from around the world?

Answer: Diamonds Do Good is an international nonprofit organization. With board members and beneficiaries located throughout Africa, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Russia, we believe that the need for Growth, Unity, and Equality is global.

Each designer has a unique story to tell about how their life has been impacted by the natural diamond industry. We are eager to hear these stories, both through the piece and through the designers explained interpretation.  Diamonds Do Good wants to further our mission as a global nonprofit by reaching designers from all cultures, religions, countries, and backgrounds.

5. What are the benefits for the Finalists?

Answer: The Top Three Finalists of Project Bracelet will have the opportunity to share their design, the inspiration behind their design, and other personal collections to the Panel of Reviewers. 

Each finalist’s bracelet design and personal collections will be featured through Diamonds Do Good’s Podcast Video Series—a unique docuseries highlighting the designers personal journey, their inspiration behind their piece, and the unique piece itself.
The Docuseries will run throughout the Summer of 2021.It will end with a Live Final Episode revealing the manufactured bracelet (both bracelets).

6. Where will the bracelet be sold?

Answer: The bracelet will be featured on Diamonds Do Good’s website for donations, as well as, have the opportunity to be sold in Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and leading luxury independent retailers and department stores across the United States.

7. Who benefits from the proceeds of the bracelet?

Answer: Diamonds Do Good has declared the Flaviana Matata Foundation as the beneficiary that will be supported through Project Bracelet.

Flaviana Matata, commonly known for her career as an international super model and 2007-2008 Miss Universe Tanzania, is an Ambassador of Diamonds Do Good.

In 2012, Flaviana established the Flaviana Matata Foundation as her way of giving back to her community. The Foundation has grown from initially only providing scholarships to pay for school fees, to supporting the multiple needs of girls so that they can feel safe throughout their entire education, and have the skills and support they need to get a job or start a business.

Since its start, the Foundation has reached over 5,000 students in Tanzania. This has included providing students with needed school supplies as well as renovating and refurbishing school infrastructure, like classrooms, toilets, installing clean water systems and building teachers’ housing. The Foundation also distributes toiletry boxes to girls to use during their menstrual cycle and purchases desks and chairs for all students.

Diamonds Do Good believes that the Flaviana Matata Foundation is the perfect group to benefits from all proceeds of Project Bracelet.

 

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