A Diamond Is Forever, a sponsor of the upcoming 2007 Hollywood Style Awards, to be held Sunday, October 7th at the Pacific Design Center’s SilverScreen Theater, announced that the work of Russell Simmons and the Diamond Empowerment Fund TM (D.E.F.) will be honored at the event. Russell is being celebrated with the ‘Hollywood Soul’ award.

D.E.F.’s mission is to raise money that helps young people in Africa achieve success by financing educational and skill development schools, colleges and other institutions that enhance and empower economically disadvantaged people and communities in African nations.

Russell Simmons passionate work for D.E.F. through the launch of the Green Initiative jewelry collection, donates more than $20 from the sale of each Simmons Jewelry Company Green Initiative signature green bracelet (USMSRP $125) to raise funds for educational programs in Africa. Simmons Jewelry Company designs and manufactures the popular Green Initiative bracelet made from native African materials – genuine green malachite beads and a rough diamond. The bracelet is already a must-have item worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Chris Tucker, David Beckham, Ludacris, Penelope Cruz, Serena Williams, T.I. and others.

The ‘Green Initiative’ jewelry collection will be on display at the 3rd annual Young Hollywood Dream Closet, the ultimate walk-in brimming with the hottest new style trends, hosted by Hollywood Life magazine.

The first beneficiary of D.E.F.’s support was CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. CIDA (Community and Individual Development Association) City Campus has reinvented traditional models of higher education where every student is on a scholarship and comes from a financially disadvantaged background. The deeply felt mission behind CIDA is to provide mass-scale, quality higher education and to provide an effective human development strategy to contribute to the economic and social transformation of Africa. For more information and to get involved, visit diamondempowerment.org.

The Green Initiative collection is a unique combination of modern, traditional and inspirational hip-hop inspired jewelry in stainless steel, green rubber and diamonds. The line features the diamond encrusted Ohm Watch and Ohm pendant, as well as bracelets, pendants, chains and rings priced from $200 - $35,000, and will be available at Kay Jewelers, Gordon Jewelers, Zales, Macy’s Herald Square, Rogers and Hollands Jewelers, as well as many independent jewelers including Bond Jewelers. For more information, store locations or to purchase the Green Initiative bracelet, please visit http://www.simmonsjewelryco.com or www.simmonsjewelryco.com.