The evening brought together some of the industry's most respected leaders, including renowned jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz, and marked a historic first: representatives from the world's three leading diamond-producing nations—Botswana, Angola, and Namibia—gathering under one roof to celebrate the unique value of natural diamonds and the opportunities they create for communities around the globe.
That impact was brought to life through the inspiring story of Tshireletso Seoromeng, a young farmer and entrepreneur from Botswana whose agricultural business was launched with support from a Diamonds Do Good grant funded by the natural diamond industry. Today, her thriving enterprise supplies leading grocers and international food-service organizations throughout Botswana.
Following a moving film presentation, Seoromeng shared her journey with the audience, inspiring a spirited live auction to fund a new greenhouse for her farm. After passionate bidding, the winning bid - and naming rights for the greenhouse - were secured by CD Peacock, recipient of the 2026 Diamonds Do Good Community Impact Award.
The gala also honored Tiffany & Co. for its leadership in sustainability and philanthropy, while industry icon Anna Martin received the Diamonds Do Good Lifetime Achievement Award. Martin's recognition culminated in a heartfelt standing ovation that reflected the deep admiration, gratitude, and affection felt throughout the room for her decades of leadership, mentorship, and enduring influence on generations of jewelry professionals.
"As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, tonight's stories remind us that natural diamonds do far more than create beauty," said Nancy Orem Lyman, Executive Director of Diamonds Do Good. "They create opportunity, strengthen communities, and transform lives. Bringing together leaders from across our industry—and from Botswana, Angola, and Namibia—demonstrated the extraordinary impact natural diamonds continue to have around the world.”
As consumers increasingly seek authenticity, purpose, and connection in the products they purchase, the evening reinforced what makes natural diamonds truly unique. Their story begins in the communities where they are created by Mother Nature and responsibly recovered, creating jobs, opportunity, and hope. It continues with the people who wear them, cherish them, celebrate life's most meaningful moments with them, and ultimately pass them from one generation to the next.
From Botswana to Angola, Namibia, and beyond, the sold-out gala served as a powerful reminder that the story of natural diamonds is ultimately a story about people - and the enduring beauty, opportunity, and human connections they make possible.