The Diamond Development Initiative tapped Patricia Syvrud, founder and president of Joia Consulting, LLC, to head up program development for the Friends of DDI. 

“I am honored to be able to work with an international group that plays such a unique development role in the artisanal diamond mining communities and in the lives of the miners,” said Syvrud in a statement.

The new Friends of DDI program will allow jewelry retailers, designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to support DDI’s work on the ground in mining communities, and demonstrate to their customers and constituents that the industry is making a positive impact on the lives of the people who mine diamonds by artisanal methods.

“We have high hopes that Patricia will be able to harness engagement from the industry members to the benefit of both artisanal miners and of consumers seeking ethical jewelry,” said Dorothée Gizenga, DDI executive director, in a statement.

The Friends of DDI campaign officially launches in early 2012.

JCK