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On May 29, on the eve of the opening of JCK Las Vegas, the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) brought together a unique mix of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, government dignitaries and celebrities.

In D.E.F’s first U.S. based gala event, the organization raised over $1 million dollars to benefit its global mission. D.E.F supports initiatives and programs that help diamond communities throughout the world.

Guests were treated to an intimate performance by music icon Chaka Khan while mingling with celebrities including Jaime King, Otis Williams of the Temptations, Denise Nicholas and pop music artist Mair. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., civil rights leader and D.E.F. advisor.

D.E.F. presented the 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award to His Excellency, the Honorable President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, the largest producer of diamonds by value in the World.

The program was opened with welcoming remarks s by D.E.F’s co-founders, Russell Simmons and Philippe Mellier, CEO The De Beers Group of Companies.

“I am pleased to welcome the industry leaders to Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas. Former President Nelson Mandela encouraged us to establish D.E.F to empower people in diamond communities throughout the world. We are here tonight to celebrate that a diamond equals love”, said Russell Simmons.

Philippe Mellier reaffirmed this emotional connection,

“the diamond moment when a man makes a commitment to a woman that will last a lifetime, drives everything we do. De Beers and Forevermark believe deeply in the power of diamonds to transform communities and build countries and through our five decades of partnership with Botswana we know first hand how diamonds can be harnessed to strengthen a democracy, elevate a people and secure a country’s future.  D.E.F. was founded on this premise and as a founding member we continue this legacy of support and partnership through the Forevermark Promise Scholars Program”.

Check out photos from the star-studded event below…

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