Diamonds are a girl's best friend, they say. They are highly prized by everyone. But most of us don't know what goes into getting those precious stones from the ground and onto the world's most beautiful jewelry. Sadly, it's not a pleasant story.
For most of history, diamonds were found in river beds. Then in 1871, diamonds were discovered in South Africa's volcanic pipes. These stones were known for their excellent quality and for their size. As a result South Africa quickly became the world's largest diamond producer. Other countries with diamond mining operations include Russia, Canada, Australia and Botswana. But South Africa is still the leader in diamond mining.
Diamond mining is a complex process. The gem has to be removed from kimberlite (the surrounding igneous rock). The diamond ore is transported to another location for processing and sorting. Most often this occurs in the wash method: Water washes away the lighter debris from the heavier diamonds that sink into a pan. Think of "panning for gold" and you've got the idea.
There are other processing methods used, such as the "cones and cyclones" method, the x-ray separator and grease tables. In any event the diamonds are carefully separated and sorted by employees who can determine the diamond's grade in seconds. Mining employees are carefully scrutinized to make sure the valuable product is not stolen. Priceless substances can bring out the worst in some people
Of course mining is a very hard-scrabble career. It is not an easy life by any means. The lust for diamonds also means that those seeking diamonds are not always the most scrupulous. Unfortunately, the proceeds from the sale of diamonds are not always used for good causes: Revolutionary groups have taken over some diamond mines. The profits from diamonds sold from those mines are used to buy arms for those groups' efforts. Those diamonds are known as "blood diamonds".
The United Nations and other agencies have been trying to eliminate the blood diamond trade. In 2002, the UN introduced the Kimberly Process, a way of registering the source of specific diamonds and record to whom they are sold. Eventually this may result in the end of the blood diamond trade but it will take time. Sadly, the illegal diamond trade still exists and probably will do so long as long as diamonds are so highly prized and there is no global effort to stop the blood diamond effort.
So while we all appreciate the beauty of diamonds, it is important to remember the people who struggle to dig them from the earth. Remember that those who bring them to market do not necessarily have the most altruistic motives at heart. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy your possessions but be aware of what may be behind the most valuable jewelry. - 15366
For most of history, diamonds were found in river beds. Then in 1871, diamonds were discovered in South Africa's volcanic pipes. These stones were known for their excellent quality and for their size. As a result South Africa quickly became the world's largest diamond producer. Other countries with diamond mining operations include Russia, Canada, Australia and Botswana. But South Africa is still the leader in diamond mining.
Diamond mining is a complex process. The gem has to be removed from kimberlite (the surrounding igneous rock). The diamond ore is transported to another location for processing and sorting. Most often this occurs in the wash method: Water washes away the lighter debris from the heavier diamonds that sink into a pan. Think of "panning for gold" and you've got the idea.
There are other processing methods used, such as the "cones and cyclones" method, the x-ray separator and grease tables. In any event the diamonds are carefully separated and sorted by employees who can determine the diamond's grade in seconds. Mining employees are carefully scrutinized to make sure the valuable product is not stolen. Priceless substances can bring out the worst in some people
Of course mining is a very hard-scrabble career. It is not an easy life by any means. The lust for diamonds also means that those seeking diamonds are not always the most scrupulous. Unfortunately, the proceeds from the sale of diamonds are not always used for good causes: Revolutionary groups have taken over some diamond mines. The profits from diamonds sold from those mines are used to buy arms for those groups' efforts. Those diamonds are known as "blood diamonds".
The United Nations and other agencies have been trying to eliminate the blood diamond trade. In 2002, the UN introduced the Kimberly Process, a way of registering the source of specific diamonds and record to whom they are sold. Eventually this may result in the end of the blood diamond trade but it will take time. Sadly, the illegal diamond trade still exists and probably will do so long as long as diamonds are so highly prized and there is no global effort to stop the blood diamond effort.
So while we all appreciate the beauty of diamonds, it is important to remember the people who struggle to dig them from the earth. Remember that those who bring them to market do not necessarily have the most altruistic motives at heart. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy your possessions but be aware of what may be behind the most valuable jewelry. - 15366
About the Author:
Elias Riftinger very often publishes web pages on topics like celtic irish promise ring and meaning of engagement. His writings on celtic irish promise rings are published on his site .
