Articles and News

Merrick, NY--Among other sensitive information in the WikiLeaks scandal, a series of cables from the United States Department of State and others in 2008 and 2009 reveal a chilling picture of what was going on in the diamond fields of Zimbabwe at the time, and unfortunately may serve to confirm claims of violence and brutality made by various NGOs.

Retail jewelers need to both be aware of the content of the leaks and up to date on the current situation in Zimbabwe, and to train staff to be able to accurately discuss both with concerned customers. High-end jewelers may find that educated, affluent consumers will voice concerns about ethically sourced product, and that those customers ask for, and have less price resistance to, products that are guaranteed conflict-free.

Here are observations and thoughts on the issue from Edahn Golan, editor-in-chief of Idex, and Rob Bates, senior editor at JCK. National Jeweler, meanwhile, picked up this report about the Zimbabwean government’s intention to nationalize all its diamond mines. The Marange area, especially, is under controversy and rough trading remains officially suspended while negotiations between the government and Kimberley Process officials continue.