A New York diamond dealer is spearheading an effort to raise relief funds for victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11.

Jeffrey Levin of Firenze Jewels, who also serves as chairman of the 47th Street Business Improvement District, announced today that some 2,600 participating Diamond District businesses would donate $1 for every sale made to the American Red Cross Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.

Levin said that Firenze Jewels, which was founded in 1937 and sells designer jewelry, handcrafted diamond engagement rings, and loose polished diamonds, extended its "deepest condolences" to all those affected by the quake and tsunami and said that participants in the relief program hoped their joint contributions would play a "small role in rebuilding."