The Socially Responsible Engagement and Wedding

 

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Did you know that there are approximately 2.5 million marriages in the US every year? Did you realize that the vast majority of the engagements for those weddings are secured with one of the most iconic and important symbols that a man will ever give a woman – a diamond? If you’re like many brides-to-be, your diamond engagement ring signifies the ultimate in happiness – a representation of a new life and future with someone you love. If you’re like an increasing number of women looking to make a difference in the world, the happiness that your engagement diamond brings can extend far beyond your own life and touch the lives of men, women and children all around the world!

wedding eco friendly cute fair trade proposal

 

These days, regardless of the purchase, socially conscious shoppers want to know that the products they buy are “giving back” and helping others. Wedding planners have noticed a definite uptick in couples looking for elements of philanthropy in their nuptials, from flower and food donations to wedding favor charity contributions. Altruistic couples also want to know when they purchase that iconic symbol of engagement, the diamond, that it is not only bringing joy to them and their families, but it will create positive impact in communities near and far.

TSHIMANGAZO MERCY RAMBUDA is a farm owner East of musina, who was assisted by the Zimele fund to buy and equip her Sithayu farm near Nwansdi. The farm produces vegetables and maize which is all sold locally. The farm employs 10 local people.

Diamonds Do Good is an initiative developed by the Diamond Empowerment Fund, an organization founded in 2007 by business and music entrepreneur Russell Simmons after taking a fact-finding mission to Africa. He, along with his associate Dr. Ben Chavis visited President Nelson Mandela who urged them to “tell the story” of the positive impact diamonds have on the socio-economic development of Africa. Today the Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by the most important diamond companies and jewelry retailers in the world, who all adhere to a specific process to ensure transparency in the diamond journey and who contribute to helping others around the world via their diamonds and diamond jewelry.

diamonds do good diamond

The stories of how these diamonds do good are vast and compelling.

  • In Africa and India over 2,000 college age students have received financial assistance or been awarded scholarships.
  • Reliable water has been supplied to close to 4,700 people in India.
  • Maternal education and healthcare programs continually help numerous women and children in the rural villages of Mainland China.
  • 3,000 new jobs have been created in South Africa by a program that inspires entrepreneurs, providing them funding and mentorship.
  • In the South African community of Molepolole jobs are being provided, with two-thirds of them being supplied to women (often single mothers and sole breadwinners).
  • In Botswana, financial support is being provided to an orphanage.
  • Organizations are being supported that foster women’s empowerment by awarding scholarships to talented women in low-income countries.

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Closer to home Jewelers for Children, has donated more than $45 million dollars in the past 15 years to charities such as CASA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish America and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

So how can you ensure that your engagement ring purchase is also benefiting others? Couples who want to make a difference can look for the “Diamonds Do Good” seal at jewelry stores and/or on the websites of the supporting brands who are initiating these good works. The purchase of a diamond or diamond ring through these supporters can give peace-of-mind for those wanting to know that the symbol of love on their finger is helping develop and empower people worldwide.

diamond do good bracelet

If you’re a couple who wishes to share your philanthropy with the wedding party, the organization has created the ultimate in a fashionable give-back. The “Diamonds Do Good bracelet”, designed by award-winning designer Mark Patterson and made by jewelry giant Chow Tai Fook makes a fashionable gift for brides-maids and for groom’s gifts. The bracelet, which costs about $125.00 is comprised of silver with gold plating, green Chrysoprase and a diamond, strung on a leather cord. These bracelets show that the love from your wedding extends far beyond your ceremony and reception. For more information on Diamonds Do Good, or to read some of the wonderful stories of how diamonds are changing the lives of men, women and children around the world, visit www.diamondsdogood.com.

By Michael O’Connor

 

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