Purchase A Diamond That Makes A Better World
A natural diamond represents a highly symbolic expression of love and commitment. Yet many people are concerned about the history of the diamond trade, and its ties to regional conflicts. People want their diamond not only to be ‘conflict free,’ but also to be worthy of its symbolic value.
Yet complex sourcing issues in the diamond sector fuel misleading terminology in the market place that makes it difficult to know what one is supporting in one’s purchase. For those who are also motivated by ethical concerns, it is best not to get too caught up in the internet marketing of ‘conflict free’ diamonds.
Every diamond sold claims to be ‘conflict free’ and Kimberley Certified, regardless of whether it was sourced ethically or from a mine that has poor human rights and environmental standards.
The critical issue for someone who wishes to shop their values is tracing exactly where the diamond was mined and cut.
Diamonds From Namibia and Botswana
Namibia is a country about half the size of Alaska, in Southern Africa, bordering the Southern Atlantic Ocean. It is mostly desert and its population of just over two million depend upon its extractive industries, particularly because it has very little arable farmland.
In the past, all diamonds taken out of Namibia were cut in other parts of the world. Now, it is possible to purchase a diamond mined and cut in this economically and politically stable African country with its own organized diamond polishing industry. This ground breaking initiative allows more money and jobs to stay in the local economy, which desperately needs these well paying jobs.
In Namibia, a polishing facility supports over 100 local workers, which is profound in a country with such a relatively small population. In general, workers in the diamond industry earn twice the national salary average.
Botswana, which shares its western border with Namibia, has an even more developed beneficiation program. It is one of Africa’s most prosperous countries, in large part because of its highly developed diamond sector. Localized diamond facilities represent an essential part of Botswana’s economy. These diamonds, once polished, are distributed exclusively through a select group of large jewelry chains.
In both scenarios, companies purchase unpolished diamonds from mines owned by DeBeers. The environmental responsibility of the mine is third and fourth party verified.
In the past, diamond companies have been reluctant to create these types of projects because they require huge new investments in training and infrastructure.
Instead of simple resource extraction, which is what happens in many countries with extensive mineral resources, the diamond sector in both countries represents a functional example of skill transfer, job creation and economic empowerment.
One final note: not all diamonds mined in Namibia and Botswana are cut in those countries. Botswana diamonds are sold only through a few selected jewelry store chains. Namibian cut and mined diamonds are a new initiative with limited channels of distribution at this point.
Diamonds From Canada
Canada’s four large diamond mines are among the most regulated and best run from an environmental standpoint, in the world. There is generally little difference between them. Massive inspections are conducted regularly.
First Nation People of the territories are being compensated by the mines through impact benefit agreements.
Almost all diamonds are gathered in central polishing locations where they are mixed up regardless of their source. Canadian diamonds have a tiny ‘Canada Mark’ that gives you assurance that the gems were actually mined in Canada.
Cutting takes place in third party certified facilities. The companies that run the mines know that their brand image depends upon the assurance of a seamless mine to market pipeline.
Canadian diamonds are heavily marketed as ‘conflict free,’ since they have no ties to regional conflicts or the tragic history of Africa and the diamond trade.
What those who push Canadian diamonds as the perfect choice do not talk about is the infrastructure required to transport millions of gallons of petrol to run the machinery, generators and all the support gear in the arctic tundra, creating considerable disruption to the environment.
These massive strip mines impact what environmentalists call North America’s last Serengeti, yet Canadian diamonds remain a good option. In terms of diamond mining in a sensitive environment, they are as responsible as possible.
The Ethical Choice
Whether you choose to go with African or Canadian diamonds, every diamond has it’s impact. While Africa needs it’s diamond economy more than Canada, some people might be reluctant to purchase a diamond from a company that purchases from a mine owned by DeBeers, even if it is well run.
The critical issue is for you to determine who benefits from the actual diamond by tracing its source all the way back to the mine, through the cutting process.
By using your economic choice to support your values, you will give market incentive for the diamond sector to implement more programs that create benefit in the producer communities that really need economic support. You purchase a diamond that helps to create a better world.
