Hip-Hop Mogul, DIC Seek Ways to Help Africa with Diamonds

Hip-Hop producer and entrepreneur Russell Simmons will go on a fact finding mission to Africa next month, looking for ways to benefit the continent through diamonds. He is joined by the industry’s Diamond Information Center (DIC).

Simmons will visit South Africa and Botswana November 26 – December 4, and explore how to leverage his diamond business, Simmons Jewelry Company, to improve educational and economic conditions in distressed African communities.

Simmons Jewelry is a joint venture with M. Fabrikant & Sons, established in early 2004. The company marketed a number of lines of diamond jewelry, promoted as conflict free. A certain percentage of the proceeds were reportedly was used to benefit communities effected by the diamond trade.