Russell Simmons’ D.E.F. sees more ‘green’
January 18, 2008

From left: Simmons Jewelry Co. President Scott Rauch, Diamond Information Center Director Sally Morrison, D.E.F. Advisory Board Chairman Russell Simmons, D.E.F. Director Ellen Haddigan, and Botswana native and D.E.F intern Lesego Mathware at the D.E.F. check presentation.

New York—Simmons Jewelry Co. President Scott Rauch has presented on behalf of the company a donation totaling $311,535 to the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.).

The D.E.F., founded by Simmons Jewelry Co. co-owner Russell Simmons upon his return from Africa last year, is a nonprofit, international organization dedicated to empowering Africa through funding education programs in African countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

Simmons Jewelry Co. launched the Green Initiative jewelry collection last year with a signature piece called the “Green Bracelet,” made from genuine green malachite beads and a conflict-free rough diamond sourced from Africa.

More than $20 from the sale of each Green Bracelet, which retails in the United States for $125, is donated to the D.E.F.

The bracelet has become a popular accessory choice, worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé Knowles, David Beckham, John Mayer, Ludacris, Penelope Cruz, Serena Williams and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

For more information on the D.E.F., visit its Web site, Diamondempowerment.org.

Editor’s note: For related news, see Simmons Jewelry Co.’s ‘Green Bracelet’ to benefit DEF.