African Bling by De Beers??

Morning Family!

I saw this story on AOL Black Voices Blogs and I thought it worth reprinting here....

Posted Aug 6th 2008 12:42PM by Esther Dixon
Filed under: Lifestyle, Style Spotter

Who would have ever thought that the jewelry monopoly De Beers would create diamond pendants made in the shape and likeness of African masks? Why is this so shocking? The company's founder Cecil Rhodes was known by many as a white supremacist. He wanted the British Empire to rule every country and once wrote: "I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race."

The collection, which is called The Amulets is now featured in the September issue of Elle magazine. Causing quite a controversy, since De Beers, which controls about 40% of the world diamond market, built its company on the backs of "poorly-paid, abominably treated native African workers," and is frequently accused of human rights violations and illegal mining operations. There are many reports of corruption in certain African countries due to De Beers paying off the police and government officials. However, the company has said that it complies with Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a process designed to certify the origin of rough diamond from sources which are free of conflict.


For this Style Spotter, The Amulets Collection is certainly a double edge spear. On one hand, the line is fantastic and helps bring awareness to African art and culture. But for a company like De Beers to create such a line seems somewhat despicable. What do you think?

Yes family! I'd be interested in knowing what you think as well......Although I must admit...the pieces are QUITE BEAUTIFUL. As a collector (of sorts..lol) I cannot say I would not want a piece or two like these in my collection but After watching all of the documentaries and the "Blood Diamond" movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou (which I found COMPLETELY disturbing) I think it's not only in poor taste to present a collection like this and then KEEP ALL THE MONIES FOR YOURSELF!!!! WTF???

People are losing limbs, starving and dying over there to mine those stupid rocks. As much money as the Debeers people make off of those people and the diamond industry....the very LEAST you can do is give them a better life/living situation than they have now in addition to PAYING THEM SOME PROPER FRIGGIN WAGES!!! It wouldn't cost you much and it's the least you can do after STEALING from them like you have for the last few centuries.....It's time to atone for your sins....

Oh yes fam....I would definitely like to hear your thoughts on this one.

In all seriousness, America is the largest consumer on the diamond market; nearly two-thirds of all diamonds sold are to the United States. If terrorist organizations are able to get their hands on even just a small portion of the multi-billion dollar industry, it will be enough to fuel further violence.