Russell Simmons' Jewelry Co. Makes Donation To Help Africa

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Site Last Updated: 7:01 PM EDT, August 20, 2008	Make BallerStatus Your Homepage

Published: Friday - January 18, 2008
Words by Allen Starbury

Here Russell Simmons is photographed at the check presentation, alongside the DEF's top execs. (Photo: JLM PR)

One year after returning from Africa and starting the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF), Russell Simmons made a donation of $311,535 to the fund to help Africa's education system, via his Simmons Jewelry Co.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund, founded by Russell Simmons, is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to empowerment in Africa through funding education programs in African countries where diamonds are a natural resource.

Simmons Jewelry launched the Green Initiative jewelry collection in 2007 with a signature piece called the Green Bracelet (see "Simmons Jewelry Company Announces First Piece From Its Green Initiative Collection"), made from genuine green malachite beads and a rough diamond.

More than $20 from the sale of each Green Bracelet (which retailed for $125) was donated to DEF.

Since the bracelet's launch, it has become a sought after item by many celebs -- including Beyoncé, Bill Clinton, Mischa Barton, John Mayer, Vanessa Hudgens, David Beckham, and Ludacris, among others.

For more information on DEF, visit DiamondEmpowerment.org.

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COMMENTS (3)

laura Says:
Tuesday - February 5, 2008 at 1:28am

I think its cool that u donated that cash thats kind of u. But u think you can hook a siter up...

Yung Tru Says:
Saturday - January 19, 2008 at 2:59pm

What the fuck kinda shit is this? Africa suffers for diamonds and shit and you wanna donate money from jewelry you hypocrite? That makes about as much sense as having a known child molester as a baby sitter That shit makes no sense. Besides i know they dont care about my african people, its just a big tax write off.

Dropper Says:
Friday - January 18, 2008 at 11:51am

hahah @ this Vato donating $20 ouuta $125 toward Africa. Sounds like he is making that Feddi holmes

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