Press Releases

Diamonds Do Good Announces 2024 Diamonds Do Good Award Honorees

Recipients to be recognized on the eve of the opening of JCK Las Vegas.

Published

1 year ago

March 5, 2024

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Recipients of 2024’s Diamonds Do Good Awards include the largest nonprofit institute of gemological laboratory services, research, and education, The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), leading luxury independent retailer London Jewelers, and President and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Lisa Bridge. The Awards will be presented at Diamonds Do Good’s annual gala on Thursday, May 30th at the Venetian Hotel, San Polo Ballroom, Las Vegas, NV.

“The Diamond Do Good Awards recognizes leaders who understand the interconnectedness between building a successful business, having a social purpose, and caring for the community,” says Kathy Corey, President of Diamonds Do Good, “these are values shared by our organization and the natural diamond industry.”

Awards being presented during the evening Include:

GIA: The Visionary Leadership Award
Diamonds Do Good’s Visionary Leadership Award recognizes GIA’s innovative programs and unwavering dedication to independence, excellence, trust, and transparency illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future. GIA’s commitment to protecting consumers, education, environmental conservation, and social responsibility has left an indelible mark on our industry and has contributed to the betterment of communities around the world.

London Jewelers: Community Impact Award
Diamonds Do Good’s Community Impact Award recognizes London Jewelers’ unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community betterment while also being a beacon of trust and integrity for over nine decades. London Jewelers exemplifies the profound influence a business can have by not only providing exquisite jewelry but also fostering a world where generosity and compassion thrive.

Lisa Bridge, President & CEO Ben Bridge Jewelers: The NextGen Award
Diamonds Do Good’s Next Gen Award recognizes Bridge’s exceptional leadership in reshaping the natural diamond and jewelry industry landscape, connecting with Gen Z and Millennial consumers through innovative ideas, and making meaningful contributions to the communities where Ben Bridge Jeweler does business.

“The recipients of these awards reflect the importance of championing community around the world”, says Diamonds Do Good’s immediate past president Anna Martin, “We must proudly share their good works and those of the natural diamond industry with consumers who are looking for these reassurances with their purchases.”

The Diamonds Do Good Awards will take place on Thursday, May 30th in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel, San Polo Ballroom starting at 6pm. For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit: DiamondsDoGood.com/DDGawards/

About Diamonds Do Good

Formerly known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Diamonds Do Good is a not-for-profit organization inspired in 2006 by South African President and Global Humanitarian Nelson Mandela to tell the world about the positive impact behind natural diamonds and the natural diamond industry. Through our grants program, we create meaningful change in natural diamond communities and share these and similar affirming stories of the industry’s real impact on real people.

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.