Diamonds Do Good Invites GSI President and Co-Founder Debbie Azar to Join Board
Diamonds Do Good (DDG) has unanimously approved Debbie Azar, President and Co-Founder of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, to join its Board of Directors.
Diamonds Do Good is committed to empowering communities in which natural diamonds are sourced, and sharing those stories of positive impact. They have been making an impact in the diamond industry since their start in 2007.
“I am honored to be invited to join the Board of Diamonds do Good. I have seen the positive impact that Diamonds Do Good has had on the natural diamond communities, and am proud to be a part of an organization that gives back to and supports the communities that are an essential part of our industry” Debbie Azar states.
“I’m thrilled that Debbie has joined the board. Her proven leadership and commitment to the industry are key assets for our organization” says Rebecca Foerster, President of Diamonds Do Good and Alrosa U.S.A.
Earlier this month, Diamonds Do Good launched a unique initiative inviting designers from around the world to participate in creating a new signature bracelet that defines the organization. “Diamonds Do Good was inspired by The Honorable Nelson Mandela whose legacy shines as a beacon of hope and healing. We want this next generation bracelet to be a symbol of all our hopes and dreams,” says Diamonds Do Good co-founder and renowned civil rights advocate, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Echoing Chavis’ aspirations, Diamonds Do Good encourages Black, Indigenous, and Multicultural designers to participate in the initiative.
Diamonds Do Good was founded in 2006 to tell the world about the positive impact of natural diamonds in Southern Africa. Its focus today is to create meaningful change in diamond communities around the world and to tell these meaningful stories. Working with sustainable materials and companies who are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), participants will incorporate their interpretation of “Growth, Unity, and Equality” into their bracelet design.
The top three finalists will be announced on July 18, on the 103rd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. Finalists will present their designs to the full panel of reviewers including how the design relates to the theme of “Growth, Unity, and Equality.” Submissions are due by June 28.
For more information, visit the Diamonds Do Good Project Bracelet Page at https://www.diamondsdogood.com/projectbracelet, or contact Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman at n.lyman@diamondsdogood.org.
The final design will be featured on the Diamonds Do Good website for donations to benefit the Flaviana Matata Foundation, and will also have the potential to be featured at Jared The Galleria of Jewelry, as well as leading luxury independent jewelry and department stores across the United States.
About Gemological Science International (GSI)
Gemological Science International (GSI) is the only major gemological organization established in the 21st century. Founded in 2005 in New York City, it has grown to become one of the largest gemological entities in the world with laboratory facilities spanning four continents. Utilizing cutting-edge processes and proprietary technologies, along with a commitment to the highest ethical standards and practices, GSI provides manufacturers and retailers globally with a wide range of gemstone identification and grading services. The company is committed to advancing gemological research and offers gemological educational programs for trade professionals and the general public through its state-of-the-art research center.
About Debbie Azar
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
