Latest News

Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints

Russell Simmons to keynote JCK Las Vegas

March 19, 2008

Similar Stories | Topics

Norwalk, Conn.—JCK, producer of the JCK Las Vegas show, has announced that Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul, philanthropist and Simmons Jewelry Co. co-owner, will kick off the 2008 show as a keynote speaker.

Simmons, along with Kimora Lee Simmons and Scott Rauch, founded the Simmons Jewelry Co. in 2004, and in 2006, went to South Africa and Botswana to see how diamonds were affecting the lives of Africans.

Simmons then created the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) to raise funds for educational initiatives in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource and to sensitize the diamond industry to the plight of Africans.

To support the DEF's mission, Simmons Jewelry Co. created the Green Initiative Collection of jewelry, which includes the company's famous "Green Bracelet." Made from green malachite beads and conflict-free rough diamonds sourced from Africa, the bracelets retail for $125, with 50 percent of net profits from sales of the bracelets benefiting the fund.

Among the many celebrities who have sported the bracelet are Beyoncé Knowles, former president Bill Clinton, Eddie Murphy and Penélope Cruz.

"We have a phenomenal lineup of keynote speakers, and are thrilled to welcome Russell Simmons to JCK," Dave Bonaparte, group vice president, JCK Events, said in a media release. "We know that JCK attendees look forward to the keynote presentations, and we know that Russell Simmons will provide a great start to the show, followed by industry gurus Martin Rapaport, Peggy Jo Donahue and Shane Decker, who will each provide the retailers with a great insight into the marketplace."

JCK Las Vegas 2008 will be held from May 30-June 3 at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

For more information, visit the JCK Events Web site, JCKshows.com, or call (800) 257-3626.
Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints
Post a Comment
* Required field
* Author:
* Comment:
 

More Brand Profiles

Movado Lincoln Center Watch
Movado watch fetes 50 years of pirouettes, solos

A night out at the New York City Ballet or Jazz at Lincoln Center is bound to be memorable, but Movado hopes to help make it more so with a new version of its iconic "Museum" watch.  Read More

Raymond Weil forms U.S. distribution company
More News

More Like This

Simmons Jewelry Co. goes green at Fashion Week
September 07, 2007 | National Jeweler Network
Jewelry designers to support Simmons gala
July 20, 2007 | National Jeweler Network
Hip-hop mogul Simmons to announce diamond initiative
November 28, 2006 | National Jeweler Network
Simmons Jewelry Co.'s 'Green Bracelet' to benefit DEF
March 01, 2007 | National Jeweler Network
Russell Simmons to host DEF benefit
August 27, 2007 | National Jeweler Network
TOPICS
Celebrity News | Entertainment | Music Stars

Design Portfolio

advertisement

Video

Small multi video player located on right rail of NJN site

advertisement

Sponsored by:

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.
Newsletters
Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.
Reader Connect
ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.
Jewelry Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.
Classifieds
Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.
NJN Customer Connect
CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

advertisement