The Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI International) announces the official launch of an important fundraising campaign, the Friends of DDI. DDI brings the jewelry and the diamond industry, non-governmental organizations and governments together in a common effort that aims to ensure that diamonds are an engine for positive economic and social development in communities where diamonds are sourced in Africa and South America.
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| Terry Chandler of Diamond Council of America pledges support to the Friends of DDI campaign |
Retailers who sign on for the Friends of DDI program receive the Retailers Friendship Kit, which includes a Certificate of Recognition, counter displays, information postcards and gift box insert cards imprinted with the donor’s name that can be distributed to customers and constituents. Membership in the Friends of DDI conveys to consumers a jeweler’s concern for the estimated 15 percent of diamond workers who labor under challenging, artisanal mining conditions.
Under the leadership of Susan Jacques, CEO of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts and Honorary Chair of the Friends of DDI campaign, jewelry industry leaders have come together to lend their support and serve as examples to the greater industry.
Joining Jacques in this campaign is The Palladium Alliance International, also a Millennium Star level contributor.
Other industry leaders and organizations that have already pledged their financial support include: Alishan; Ruth Batson; Brilliant Earth; Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers; the Diamond Council of America; David Craig, David Craig Jewelers; Jeffrey Fischer, Fischer Diamonds; Ronny Friedman, William Friedman Diamonds; Cecilia Gardner; Martin Fuller Appraisals, LLC; the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers; Sarin Technologies; Summa Jewelers; Ronnie Vanderlinden, Diamex, Inc.; Vanessa Nicole Jewels and Windiam.
“DDI’s Retailer Friendship Kit gives us concrete tools that retailers can use to respond to the growing consumer preference for ethical jewelry consumption,” states Jacques. “I encourage all members of the jewelry industry that truly want to make a positive impact on the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the supply chain to support the Friends of DDI.”
Frank McAllister, director of Palladium Alliance International and CEO of Stillwater Mining said “DDI’s work is critical to building consumer confidence in the entire jewelry industry. We’re proud to support their valuable contribution to the most marginalized sector of the diamond pipeline”.
