African Diamonds - It Just Makes Sense.
Diamond are cut in many locations across the globe including New York, Israel, China, Belgium and India just to name a few. The ironic thing is that none of the cutting centers that I’ve named are located where diamonds are a natural resource. There are no diamond mines in Antwerp or Tel Aviv and yet these cities have economies that have developed tremendously because of diamonds. I feel it is only logical and appropriate that the same economic opportunities be provided for the people of African countries like Namibia and Botswana. These are countries where diamonds are a natural resource and it is time for the diamond companies to truly push beneficiation and show the world they are serious about giving back. In order for this dream to come to life, demand for Botswana Diamonds and Namibian Diamonds needs to be created. We are calling on all jewelers and manufacturers to come up with creative ways to tell this story and bring the magic of African diamonds to life. We can teach a transferable skill, create jobs, enhance health care by supporting local African diamond cutting factories and empower the people where diamonds are a natural resource. The time for change is now and let’s push DeBeers not to postpone the 2009 transition of its aggregation activities to Botswana.
December 15th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Creating change in the jewelry industry will require a multi-pronged approach.
Certainly, encouraging the purchase of fair-trade diamonds from Africa is part of the solution. Providing economic opportunities for local communities is key.
Concurrently, consumers need to learn more about the severe social and environmental issues associated with gem and metal mining and need to made aware of alternatives such as ethically sourced gems and lab-created diamonds.
December 15th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hi Meghan,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I think one of the things our industry can do right away is start using renewed and recycled metals like Harmony Metals from Hoover and Strong. I am glad you agree about fair trade diamonds from Africa as part of the solution too. It can make a huge difference in the lives of the locals.