﻿{"id":1456,"date":"2013-06-19T01:57:00","date_gmt":"2013-06-19T01:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/?guid=1684f4bf105361613171e5855a6c02e7"},"modified":"2013-06-19T01:57:18","modified_gmt":"2013-06-19T01:57:18","slug":"nyc-this-thursday-june-20th-def-debuts-empowerment-jewelry-at-donna-distefano-atelier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/2013\/06\/19\/nyc-this-thursday-june-20th-def-debuts-empowerment-jewelry-at-donna-distefano-atelier\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC &#8211; This Thursday (June 20th) DEF Debuts &quot;Empowerment Jewelry&quot; At Donna Distefano Atelier"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3133\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><b><span id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3132\">DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND DESIGN AMBASSADORS&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3133\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><b>LAUNCH NEW YORK DEBUT&nbsp;<span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\">OF EMPOWERMENT JEWELRY&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3133\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><b><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\">AT DONNA DISTEFANO ATELIER&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3127\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3129\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3138\">Continuing the momentum generated by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) at JCK last month,&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3128\">DEF is showcasing its new line of Empowerment Jewelry alongside each product\u2019s Designer Ambassador. The New York City debut will take place on June 20th from 5:00-8:00PM at 37 West 20th Street, suite 1106. Donna Distefano from Donna Distefano Ltd, Lita Asscher from Royal Asscher and Derrick Holmes from Banneker Watches will be present to share their connection to DEF as designer ambassadors, showcase the new jewelry and watches created as ongoing fundraisers for DEF, and share their vision for how they can further DEF\u2019s mission.<\/span><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zoYHZhrTO1s\/UcEPBUSUeYI\/AAAAAAAAfH4\/GU2fsvKCFIU\/s1600\/defrussell.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" data-pinit=\"registered\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zoYHZhrTO1s\/UcEPBUSUeYI\/AAAAAAAAfH4\/GU2fsvKCFIU\/s1600\/defrussell.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund\u2019s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries in Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Benjamin Chavis, noted civil rights and business leader and fellow co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director will be at the New York debut to discuss the global impact of DEF\u2019s vision.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-uSaX-lDhk\/UcEPBQdX7SI\/AAAAAAAAfH8\/Ls9VgR62ac4\/s1600\/DEFbracelet.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" data-pinit=\"registered\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-uSaX-lDhk\/UcEPBQdX7SI\/AAAAAAAAfH8\/Ls9VgR62ac4\/s1600\/DEFbracelet.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3144\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">Donna Distefano will present her new line of \u201cIllumination\u201d bracelets depicting symbolic African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Collaborating with Russell Simmons for the benefit of D.E.F. is a natural fit for Distefano\u2019s business. Says Simmons, \u201cI share these designers\u2019 vision of transformation. 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.\u201d&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aYF_7Rnoezw\/UcEPA-OX8OI\/AAAAAAAAfH0\/J6ERbmy0JUE\/s1600\/defasscher.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" data-pinit=\"registered\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aYF_7Rnoezw\/UcEPA-OX8OI\/AAAAAAAAfH0\/J6ERbmy0JUE\/s320\/defasscher.png\" width=\"320\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher will present the DEF Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. This stunning and unique pendant contains green&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3142\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won \u2018best in show\u2019 at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family\u2019s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to the Diamond Empowerment Fund.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3143\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3147\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3146\">Derrick Holmes of Banneker, Inc. will present three new Benjamin Banneker watches designed to raise awareness and funds for DEF. These watches feature a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 O&#8217;Clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from&nbsp;<\/span>Madagascar on the face and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage&nbsp;<span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3148\">to our namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. Benjamin Banneker is an American Legend and these watches are designed to help educate about his<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\">&nbsp;numerous amazing achievements.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ei7GohFqYkA\/UcEPBjnNVYI\/AAAAAAAAfII\/QUave4Xjja4\/s1600\/defwatch.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" data-pinit=\"registered\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ei7GohFqYkA\/UcEPBjnNVYI\/AAAAAAAAfII\/QUave4Xjja4\/s1600\/defwatch.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;\"><br \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3147\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><span class=\"yiv2892892746Apple-style-span\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv2892892746\" id=\"yui_3_7_2_1_1371605896036_3147\" style=\"background-color: white; padding: 0px;\">\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TEajAJuRRkc\/UcEPmFDGUeI\/AAAAAAAAfIQ\/IwyLxiSR3qg\/s1600\/diamondempfund.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" data-pinit=\"registered\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TEajAJuRRkc\/UcEPmFDGUeI\/AAAAAAAAfIQ\/IwyLxiSR3qg\/s1600\/diamondempfund.jpg\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><b><br \/><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><b>About Diamond Empowerment Fund&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\">The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global, non-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in diamond-producing African nations. With the help of our international partners, we strive to empower the next generation of African leaders.<\/span><br \/><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;\">The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.<\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div><span><b><span>DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND DESIGN AMBASSADORS&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><b>LAUNCH NEW YORK DEBUT&nbsp;<span>OF EMPOWERMENT JEWELRY&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><b><span>AT DONNA DISTEFANO ATELIER&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span><span>Continuing the momentum generated by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) at JCK last month,&nbsp;<\/span><span>DEF is showcasing its new line of Empowerment Jewelry alongside each product&rsquo;s Designer Ambassador. The New York City debut will take place on June 20th from 5:00-8:00PM at 37 West 20th Street, suite 1106. Donna Distefano from Donna Distefano Ltd, Lita Asscher from Royal Asscher and Derrick Holmes from Banneker Watches will be present to share their connection to DEF as designer ambassadors, showcase the new jewelry and watches created as ongoing fundraisers for DEF, and share their vision for how they can further DEF&rsquo;s mission.<\/span><\/span><br \/><span><span><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zoYHZhrTO1s\/UcEPBUSUeYI\/AAAAAAAAfH4\/GU2fsvKCFIU\/s1600\/defrussell.png\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zoYHZhrTO1s\/UcEPBUSUeYI\/AAAAAAAAfH4\/GU2fsvKCFIU\/s1600\/defrussell.png\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span>Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund&rsquo;s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries in Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Benjamin Chavis, noted civil rights and business leader and fellow co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director will be at the New York debut to discuss the global impact of DEF&rsquo;s vision.<\/span><br \/><span><br \/><\/span><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-uSaX-lDhk\/UcEPBQdX7SI\/AAAAAAAAfH8\/Ls9VgR62ac4\/s1600\/DEFbracelet.png\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t-uSaX-lDhk\/UcEPBQdX7SI\/AAAAAAAAfH8\/Ls9VgR62ac4\/s1600\/DEFbracelet.png\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span><br \/><\/span><span>Donna Distefano will present her new line of &ldquo;Illumination&rdquo; bracelets depicting symbolic African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Collaborating with Russell Simmons for the benefit of D.E.F. is a natural fit for Distefano&rsquo;s business. Says Simmons, &ldquo;I share these designers&rsquo; vision of transformation. 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.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/span><span>&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aYF_7Rnoezw\/UcEPA-OX8OI\/AAAAAAAAfH0\/J6ERbmy0JUE\/s1600\/defasscher.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aYF_7Rnoezw\/UcEPA-OX8OI\/AAAAAAAAfH0\/J6ERbmy0JUE\/s320\/defasscher.png\" width=\"320\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span>Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher will present the DEF Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the&nbsp;<\/span><span>Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. This stunning and unique pendant contains green&nbsp;<\/span><span>tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won &lsquo;best in show&rsquo; at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family&rsquo;s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to the Diamond Empowerment Fund.&nbsp;<\/span><span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><span><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><span>Derrick Holmes of Banneker, Inc. will present three new Benjamin Banneker watches designed to raise awareness and funds for DEF. These watches feature a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 O&#8217;Clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from&nbsp;<\/span>Madagascar on the face and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage&nbsp;<span>to our namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. Benjamin Banneker is an American Legend and these watches are designed to help educate about his<\/span><\/span><span>&nbsp;numerous amazing achievements.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><span><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ei7GohFqYkA\/UcEPBjnNVYI\/AAAAAAAAfII\/QUave4Xjja4\/s1600\/defwatch.png\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ei7GohFqYkA\/UcEPBjnNVYI\/AAAAAAAAfII\/QUave4Xjja4\/s1600\/defwatch.png\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span><br \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span><span><br \/><\/span><\/span><span><span><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TEajAJuRRkc\/UcEPmFDGUeI\/AAAAAAAAfIQ\/IwyLxiSR3qg\/s1600\/diamondempfund.jpg\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TEajAJuRRkc\/UcEPmFDGUeI\/AAAAAAAAfIQ\/IwyLxiSR3qg\/s1600\/diamondempfund.jpg\"><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span><b><br \/><\/b><\/span><span><b>About Diamond Empowerment Fund&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><br \/><span>The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global, non-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in diamond-producing African nations. With the help of our international partners, we strive to empower the next generation of African leaders.<\/span><br \/><span><br \/><\/span><span>The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.<\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[61,770,726,167,1783,1784,181,734],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1456"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1456"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1456\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/dailyjewel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}