Diamonds Do Good to Host Inaugural Next Gen Awards
Celebrating the next generation of jewelry industry leaders, the awards will be presented during the annual gala in Las Vegas.

The not-for-profit will hold the awards ceremony during its annual gala on June 9 at the Venetian Hotel’s Palazzo Ballroom during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders who represent the future for our industry. These individuals span the mining, manufacturing, and retail sectors, and we will highlight their accomplishments in their respective fields and support of the communities where they do business,” said Diamonds Do Good President Anna Martin.
The awards will go to Feriel Zerouki, Kealeboga Pule, Kecia Caffie, and Alexis Padis.
“The recipients of these awards reflect the importance of engaging community around the world”, said DDG co-founder and civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.
“Now more than ever we need to reaffirm and share this commitment with consumers everywhere.”
Feriel Zerouki, senior vice president of corporate affairs at De Beers Group, is the first woman elected as incoming president of the World Diamond Council.
She has been instrumental in spearheading ethical programs at De Beers to bolster its sustainability agenda, said DDG.
“Starting with the Best Practice Principles, through to provenance initiatives such as Tracr and developing solutions to integrate artisanal miners to the international trade through GemFair, Feriel has already left her mark on the industry,” said the organization.
Kealeboga Pule is the founder, manufacturer, and bespoke diamond jeweler of South Africa-based Nungu Diamonds, as well as a member of the Young Diamantaires.
“His commitment to his community extends beyond providing jobs for young South Africans as he seeks to change the world diamond narrative by refocusing the diamond consumer back to ‘why’ diamonds—their unique origin and their impact on socioeconomic development at producer countries and manufacturing centers around the world,” said DDG.
Kecia Caffie is the president of Signet Jewelers-owned Banter by Piercing Pagoda. Under her leadership, the brand has worked to connect with millennial and Gen Z customers.
Alexis Padis is the president of Padis Jewelry and the president-elect for the American Gem Society. She received the 2021 Young Titleholder of the Year Award and was also recognized as one of the “20 Under 40” by Jewelers of America.
“She takes to heart the responsibility of the independent jeweler to promote ethical business practices, uphold consumer protection, and continue their jewelry education while supporting her own local community,” said DDG.
Diamonds Do Good, formerly known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund, aims to share the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa.
For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit the DDG website.
The Latest

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.


The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

Sponsored by De Beers Group

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.

The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.























