In New York City this past Friday, Russell Simmons, co-creator of Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) and Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s Head of Jewelry, held an exclusive viewing of the famed Ponahalo Diamonds at Christie’s New York Rockefeller Plaza location. Russell and Ugandan supermodel, Kiara, discussed the importance of supporting education initiatives for the disadvantaged citizens in Africa.

The Diamonds will be auctioned on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008. The Forevermark Ponahalo diamonds are two magnificent diamonds weighing 102.11 and 70.87 carats, cut from a rough diamond of 316.15 carats, the largest discovered at the De Beers Venetia mine.

Their worth has not been disclosed at this time.

Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund(TM) (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Established by individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa, we believe education is one of the most critical elements that powers society and empowers individuals to realize their full human potential. D.E.F. endeavors to partner with African education organizations that have a proven methodology for helping young people achieve success through self-determination, focus, and opportunity.

Thanks Janice Torres of JLM PR, Inc. for the exclusive!