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« Previous EntriesReport on Child Gold Mining in Africa
Friday, August 22nd, 2008According to United Nations reports, 1/5 of the world’s gold comes from primitive bush mines in Africa, South America and Asia, which are being mined by children as young as four years old. These impoverished children are lured by promises of $2/day wages, of which they typically only receive a fraction. The children are required […]
Madagascar Responds to Gemstone Smuggling Problem
Friday, August 22nd, 2008In response to the recent alleged smuggling of an astounding 1,179-pound rough emerald from Madagascar, the African island nation’s government imposed a ban on the export of all gemstones. While it has continued to haggle over the emerald’s return with a French company that claims ownership, the country is once again exporting cut and finished […]
Update on Brilliant Earth Scholarship Recipients
Friday, August 22nd, 2008Brilliant Earth recently teamed up with the Institute of Gemology of Madagascar (IGM) to fund two full scholarships for disabled students to learn the art of gemstone cutting, or lapidary. The program not only provides much-needed skilled job training to worthy candidates, but benefits Madagascar’s long-term development by boosting the country’s fledgling gem-cutting industry.
Our two […]
Wal-Mart Introduces Love, Earth® Collection
Friday, August 22nd, 2008Mega retailer Wal-Mart has recently introduced a new collection of gold and silver jewelry that, according to its website, is “made with materials from sources that are committed to protecting the environment” and “designed to inspire a global fashion movement based on the precepts of recycle, reduce, and respect.”
Claims that Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons
Friday, July 25th, 2008China Calls Air Zimbabwe Report a Malicious Rumor
RAPAPORT… China refuted The Age newspaper report out of Australia that claims Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao wrote in a statement, “The report proved to be malicious rumor.”
US Senate Bans Import of Burmese Gems
Thursday, July 24th, 2008Over 90% of the world’s rubies originate from Burma. Given the human rights abuses and totalitarian regime in Burma, Brilliant Earth has never sourced any gemstones from Burma. All of our gemstones are sourced in accordance with fair trade principles. A new law has been passed banning the import of Burmese Gems into the US. […]
Eight Killed at Guyana Diamond Mining Site
Friday, June 27th, 2008Reuters and Rapaport are reporting that unknown assailants shot as many as eight people at a remote diamond mining camp in Guyana, burning the bodies afterwards. Criminal gangs operating in the area are known for other similar attacks. They sometimes take refuge in the mineral-rich […]
Maximize Center Stones with Beauty and Balance
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008Looking to maximize the appearance and size of your center diamond? Hoping to create balance and lend a sense of delicateness to a large gem? “Halo” settings that wreath the center stone in diamonds are the perfect choice for all sizes and shapes of gems.
Fake Kimberley Process Certificates Surface
Monday, June 23rd, 2008Rapaport reports that fake Kimberley Process certificates have been identified as a threat to the global tracking system for conflict diamonds.
Venezuela Withdraws from Kimberley Process
Friday, June 20th, 2008Close upon the heels of numerous calls by NGOs like Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada that Venezuela be expelled from the Kimberley Process, Venezuela has made it an easy decision by voluntarily withdrawing themselves for the next two years.