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RAPAPORT... The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) launched a new line of ''Empowerment Jewelry,'' through a collaborative effort with jewelry designer Donna Distefano, diamond firm Royal Asscher and Banneker Watches. Each designer has also joined DEF’s Diamonds for Good Membership Program to further support DEF and to contribute to scholarships for young people in diamond-producing areas of Africa. Distefano's sustainable collection of bracelets titled Illumination (pictured right) was created to be symbolic, accessible and versatile. The bracelet was co-designed by Elizabeth Hamrick and bears a silver emblem representing some of the values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. The pieces are set with diamonds, the silver symbols slide on leather-look ultra-suede straps, making them suitable for men and women as well as being animal friendly. Royal Asscher created a tsavorite and diamond pendant (pictured below) for DEF as part of the Stars of Africa collection. This pendant is comprised of green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing jewels to fall freely much like snowflakes in a snow globe.  The design won ''best in show'' at JCK and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back to diamond communities. Banneker Watches is introducing a line of watches for DEF, which incorporate its signature design of luxury woods combined with diamonds and green crystals (see at end of story). Russell Simmons, the co-founder of DEF, said, “It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision.” The new Empowerment Jewelry, including the iconic green malachite and diamond bracelet that have been synomous with DEF from the beginning, can be seen on DEF’s website: www.diamondempowerment.org and at the upcoming JCK Vegas show. 
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