Fair Trade Jewelry

~ By Marc Choyt, Publisher, fairjewelry.org

For the past two years, I have been asking people I know in the diamond trade when an African diamond directly traceable to a particular country and beneficiation programs will be available. Recently, programs have been developed in Sierra Leon, Namibia, and now we have the Botswana diamond.

Mine to market custody is viewed as a best practice. To achieve this in the diamond sector, particularly in Africa, has been exceedingly difficult. In many countries, people live in desperate conditions with corrupt governments. Small scale mining is decentralized and diamonds are considered commodities, through the supply chain, in the mining and cutting process.

Since the issue of blood diamonds hit the mainstream, many in the ethical jewelry space have been advocating Canada Mark diamonds as the best alternative. This stance has been highly controversial by many in the diamond sector because diamond trade is vital to Africa. Often, Botswana is listed as an example of successful diamond commerce.

Some customers who are really concerned about the ethics of diamonds may not want the Botswana diamond because it is tied into DeBeers’ supply chain. Nevertheless, that such a brand is being developed is an important indicator of how a few in the diamond sector are viewing an emerging marketing opportunity. An independent with five stores, Day’s Jewelers, has already adopted the brand and I intend to look into this for my own company as well.

Massive issues within the diamond supply chain, specifically relating to smuggling, distortion around the notion of “conflict free” and injustices to small scale miners are troubling. Everyone in the know realizes that Kimberly Certification means less and less, given the continuing huge leaks in the pipeline.

Many of these problems may never be solved. They are historically rooted in exploitative colonial practices. But a vital first step is to build a market demand based on a new paradigm. Fortunately, a few companies are wise enough to set up islands in this sea of chaos for those jewelers interested in exemplary practices.

What is important to note here is that this type of product shows that the diamond sector is shifting.

For an additional perspective, read this article from National Jeweler:

Motiganz debuts Botswana-made diamonds in U.S.

Read more about DeBeer’s beneficiation efforts in support of African countries on these links:

http://www.debeersgroup.com/en/Sales-and-distribution/Beneficiation/
http://www.debeersgroup.com/en/Sustainability/Economics/
http://www.debeersgroup.com/en/Media-centre/Resource-centres/Natural-resources-to-shared-national-assets/

Tags: Best Practices, CSR, Diamonds, Fair Trade, Fair Trade Gems, Mining, Spin, Transparency // 2 Comments »