Introduction: In November, 2008, I did a post on Days Jewelers, an independent chain with five stores in Northern New England. They were the first company to purchase diamonds mined and polished in beneficiations programs in Botswana. This is a follow up with Jeff Corey, President of Day’s, on what he has learned. ~ Marc

An Editorial Perspective by Marc Choyt, Publisher, fairjewelry.org A report posted on IDEX details how the beneficiation projects in Botswana have been impacted by falling diamond sales. This is very unfortunate, as the infrastructure and investments needed to create these types of initiatives are considerable.

Introduction: With the colleagues listed below, I am spear-heading an initiative to develop fair trade principles and standards for manufacturing in the jewelry sector. Last May, we developed a set of principles. Now, we are beginning to develop standards for on the ground implementation of these principles. As before, this initiative is open and transparent.