Origin - Why It Matters
Diamonds are sourced from diverse regions, spanning from the frigid Canadian Tundra to the sandy shores of Namibia and the lush jungles of Borneo. Understanding a diamond's origin can augment its prestige and worth, exemplified by Rio Tinto's renowned Argyle Pink diamonds, or serve as a quality indicator for connoisseurs, as seen with the historic Golconda diamonds of India. However, in our view, these factors aren't necessarily the primary reasons to consider a diamond's origin. We prioritize ethics, transparency, socio-economic considerations, and environmental impact when evaluating diamond provenance.
The destructive potential of diamonds in the wrong hands is a sobering reality, as witnessed in Sierra Leone during the 1990s. Here, warring rebel factions seized control of diamond mining areas, trading these precious stones with unscrupulous dealers to finance weapons purchases, resulting in unspeakable atrocities. However, in contemporary Sierra Leone, diamonds are contributing positively to local communities. It's imperative to recognize that major resources, such as oil and gas, can be similarly exploited to fund violence or promote positive socio-economic development.
More recently, in regions like the Central African Republic and Russia, diamond sales have been exploited to finance both local and international armed conflicts. Despite these challenges, it's crucial not to overlook the significant positive impact diamonds have globally. In many instances, diamond purchases support the construction of vital infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals, thereby enhancing economic, health, and social well-being in mining regions.
Richdiam remains steadfast in its commitment to sourcing stones exclusively from locations where there is a demonstrable positive impact, ensuring ethical practices and contributing to the betterment of communities.
