Natural Diamond, Ethics and Responsability

The luxury sector is repeatedly called out on ethical issues, as though its raison d’être, associated with pleasure and desirability, implies an obligation for moral exemplarity. Natural diamonds are no exception, and the industry has understood it must forgo its habitual discretion and put its sense of responsibility in the spotlight. /public-objects/8a0ef6c3-24d4-471b-bb79-92e90da91019-439da14f-d49f-4aba-b202-90d22a326028-De%20Beers%20Essence%20of%20Nature_Foundation%20Jacket%20Ring%20(2).webp Image sélectionnée Peace diamonds? Ever since the public outcry prompted by the 2006 movie Blood Diamond, the diamond industry is frequently tackled for its alleged fueling of regional conflicts. Yet things have evolved significantly over the past two decades. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, works to prevent “conflict diamonds” from reaching the international market. With tangible results: diamonds from these regions represent less than 2% of trade. /public-objects/27cadf4c-a939-471b-bb08-728ec802d9e9-63ad6637-699c-4f89-89ee-5d93f57ef427-De%20Beers%20London%2C%20coll.%20Talisman%2C%20pendentif%20or%20jaune%2C%20diamants%20taill%C3%83%C2%A9s%20et%20diamants%20de%20couleur%20bruts%20%C3%82%C2%A9De%20%C3%82%C2%A0Beers%20London.webp Image sélectionnée A valuable ecosystem But ethics don’t begin and end at the mine. Access to clean water, food, healthcare and education, as well as conservation of biodiversity – especially in environmentally sensitive zones such as the Okavango Delta in Botswana –, are all major subjects for diamond companies who are committed to creating a positive impact for communities and countries: although these commitments are often unfamiliar to the general public. How many people know, for instance, that the Responsible Jewellery Council sets out measures to ensure that every step in the diamond’s journey, from mine to retail, respects ethical, social and human rights, as well as sustainable practices? Or that the diamond ecosystem supports millions of people through redistribution of wealth, and that the main beneficiaries are local communities? “If the diamond still holds its aura of dreams and desirability, this is also because it is rooted in a legacy — that of the Earth.” /public-objects/054ba1e0-933a-417d-b242-3ee8d9574403-4c7015cd-18a4-466e-a062-cb556bf59af4-De%20Beers%20Portraits%20of%20True%20Brilliance_Talisman%20Medallion_Still%20Life_16x9.webp Image sélectionnée OKAVANGO ETERNAL A partnership between De Beers and National Geographic, Okavango Eternal was established to protect the Okavango Delta through support of water monitoring capabilities, as well as other scientific work. By 2030, Okavango Eternal aims to have developed livelihood opportunities for around 10,000 people, help ensure water and food security for over a million people, safeguard corridors for wildlife, train local scientists and support the next generation of protectors. “The natural diamond industry is one of the most highly regulated and responsible mining industries in the world. Wherever a natural diamond is extracted, land, wildlife, as well as local and Indigenous communities are an absolute priority,” says David Kellie, chief executive of the Natural Diamond Council. Sharing wealth Diamonds captivate. They are Earth’s gift, a legacy to be shared. This is something De Beers is doing in Botswana, the world’s second-largest diamond producer, where ultimately half of production will be shared with the country, while supporting local development initiatives. In other African nations, the GemFair program connects artisanal and small-scale diamond miners to the global market, helping them achieve full independence. But what happens when a mine closes and the revenue it generates disappears? Local communities have their say. Even before a mine opens, a rehabilitation process is drafted and submitted to local populations, helping to drive the region’s ongoing sustainable development. Diamonds face an uncertain future, confronted by economic difficulties in the major markets of the US and China, and competition from lab-grown stones. The natural diamond industry is working hard to ensure these authentic gifts of nature continue to shine, sparking emotion but also providing wealth and improving well-being. /public-objects/b758775f-729e-49a8-be07-dd20e348a9bf-24192114-5f5c-4959-8d88-4fe7266dc533-Vue%20a%C3%83%C2%A9rienne%20d%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99%C3%83%C2%A9l%C3%83%C2%A9phants%2C%20Delta%20de%20l%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99Okavango%2C%20Botswana%2C%20Afrique%20%20%20%C3%82%C2%A9NDC.webp Image sélectionnée